New program helps Year 12 graduates take the next step

A new program linking Queensland Year 12 graduates with further education, training or employment has launched.

Education Minister Grace Grace and Woodridge MP Cameron Dick officially launched ‘Link and Launch’ at Woodridge State High School today.

Ms Grace said the four-year $8 million program had already been piloted at four Queensland state high schools in term 4 2019, including Woodridge.

“Link and Launch is a fantastic program, supporting school leavers who are not in education, employment or training,” Ms Grace said.

“We know some young people need a bit of extra help in finding a post-school pathway so that’s why we’ve set up this program which is based on the school site.

“Specialist officers are at hand to link young people with opportunities that align with their goals, interests and strengths.

“This might be through free TAFE, work experience, alternative entry to university or employment.

“By having specialist officers based on school grounds, these young people can get the support they need to transition to the next stage of their lives.”

Ms Grace said Link and Launch was a voluntary program and had already proven a success.

“Even though the pilot program has been running for a little over one school term, I’m proud to report that we’ve seen fantastic results so far,” she said.

“Approximately 163 Year 12 leavers have been supported to date, with 125 young people making a successful transition to further education, training or employment.

“This is wonderful news for these young people who would otherwise not be working or developing new skills.”

Member for Woodridge Cameron Dick said he was pleased to see the Link and Launch initiative making a positive impact in the community.

“We know it can sometimes be difficult to get into work, study or training for the first time, which is where Link and Launch comes into play,” Mr Dick said.

“The program at Woodridge State High School has already been a great success, with 25 young people supported so far, which is just fantastic.

“Link and Launch will guide these graduates towards employment, university, TAFE or a trade. It’s opening up a range of opportunities to progress.

“Education and training are two of the core pillars of our government, and we’ll continue to make these important investments to secure a better future for the next generation.”

Woodridge State High School Principal Kathleen Janecek said the program was a welcome addition to the school.

“Link and Launch has equipped us to better support those students who need additional help in finding their next step after completing Year 12,” Ms Janecek said.

“Having completed Year 12 with us, these students already have a strong connection with the school which allows us to work with them and help them build the confidence they need to take the next step.

“Starting is sometimes the hardest part and here at Link and Launch in Woodridge SHS we work to empower our past students to continue building their resilience, confidence and skills as they transition from school to the world of work”.

The program has been piloted at Woodridge, Bundaberg State High School, Kirwan State High School and Redbank Plains State High School.

The program will be rolled out at 10 additional state high schools in 2020, with a goal to expand to 30 schools by 2022.

The 10 new Link and Launch sites for 2020 are:

• Glenala State High School
• Bremer State High School
• Marsden State High School
• Beaudesert State High School
• Yeppoon State High School
• Trinity Bay State High School
• Northern Beaches State High School
• Townsville State High School
• Lockyer District State High School
• Clontarf Beach State High School

For more information, visit www.advancingeducation.qld.gov.au/youth-engagement/strengthening-transitions

ENDS

Media contacts: Minister Grace’s Office – Laura McKee 0451 997 920

                          Woodridge Electorate Office - 3445 4100