YEAR 12 GRADUATES TAKE NEXT STEP

An annual State Government survey of school leavers shows that nine in 10 graduates have taken the next step and are studying or working.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said more than 40,000 of last year’s Year 12s were asked to participate in Next Step, a statewide survey on the employment, study and life choices of school leavers.

“The results of this survey demonstrate that young people are embracing our philosophy of ‘learning or earning’, with 93% of 2006’s Year 12s continuing study or working,” Mr Welford said.

“About 80% of graduates responded to the survey, providing Australia’s most comprehensive picture of what Year 12s are doing six months after completing school.

“The findings of this year’s report will help us to determine the best way to prepare young people for post-school success at the local, regional and state level.”

Report findings include:

• About two-thirds (63.6%) continued in a recognised form of education and training in the year after they left school
• More than one-third (36.5%) were undertaking a university degree
• In addition, of the more than 2,500 (7.7%) that had deferred a tertiary offer, most (88.4%) were working
• More than a quarter (27.1%) were participating in vocational education and training (VET)
• More than one in seven (15.2%) were undertaking employment-based training, either as an apprentice (9.3%) or trainee (5.9%)

Mr Welford said the survey played a key role in the State Government’s commitment to improve school reporting to parents.

“Schools throughout the state soon will receive a report summarising the destinations of last year’s Year 12s which can be shared with their school communities,” he said.

“Schools also will use the information to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs in the senior phase of schooling.”

Mr Welford congratulated the class of 2006 on their achievements and thanked respondents for giving their time to this important initiative.

“Whether they are working, training or studying, these young Queenslanders are making their way in the world,” he said.

For more information, visit www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000