Queensland Year 12 graduates making their way in the world

More than 90 per cent of 2007 Year 12 graduates are studying or working within six months of their graduation, according to the State Government’s annual survey of school-leavers.

Education and Training Minister Rod Welford said more than 33,000 graduates completed the Next Step destination survey, which provides a comprehensive picture of what the state’s most recent Year 12 graduates are doing after finishing school.

“The results of this survey show that young people are embracing the Government’s philosophy of ‘learning or earning’ with 92.7 per cent of 2007 graduates continuing study or working,” Mr Welford said.

“More than one-third (34.4 per cent) are studying at university and more than one-quarter (26.2 per cent) are taking part in vocational education and training.

“One in seven graduates, or 14.9 per cent, have started either an apprenticeship or a traineeship.

“About 42,000 Year 12 graduates from state, Catholic and independent schools were asked to take part in the 2008 survey and more than 80 per cent responded during the survey period from 2 April to 17 May.

“This is very encouraging as the results will be used to help prepare future graduates for post-school success. The findings will help us to determine the best way to prepare young people for post-school success at the local, regional and state level.”

Mr Welford said schools would receive a report on Next Step in the coming weeks, which could be shared with the school community.

“This survey plays a key role in the State Government’s commitment to improve school reporting to parents,” he said.

“The findings show young Queenslanders are making their way in the world through working, training or studying.

“Next Step helps schools to review and plan their services for students and the Department of Education, Training and the Arts to review education policies to assist students in the transition from school to further study or employment.

“It also helps parents and the community to understand the range of options available to students and the achievements of graduates.

“The Next Step survey is part of a statewide overhaul in education that includes a new curriculum, assessment and reporting framework and a new Queensland Certificate of Education, available from 2008.”

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 3237 1000