Call for input on education and training system changes

5/12/02
Education Minister Alan Carpenter and Training Minister John Kobelke have released for public comment a report that proposes major changes to the relationship between Western Australia's schools and TAFE colleges.
The report stems from the work of a committee, appointed in July this year and chaired by Dr Peter Tannock, Vice Chancellor of Notre Dame University.
The review committee was asked to examine the most appropriate means of achieving a coherent and cost effective strategy to improve the retention of 15 to19-year-olds in education and training beyond Year 10.
The report was tabled in State Parliament today and recommends a much closer working relationship between the two sectors in staffing and infrastructure.
Mr Carpenter said the report had recognised the need to retain more young people in meaningful education and training environments through to the end of their teenage years.
"Not only is this of paramount importance to young people as individuals, it is critical for the broader social and economic well-being of the community as a whole," he said.
"One of the more disturbing findings is that about 30,000 - or 21 per cent - of 15 to 19-year-olds are not participating in any form of education, training or full-time employment."
Mr Kobelke said the report found there were significant regional differences, with a high of 23 per cent of young people in the Kimberley area falling into this 'at risk' category, compared with eight per cent in the Perth metropolitan area.
"It is clear that these young people are most at risk of suffering long-term social and economic dysfunction, unless school and TAFE retention strategies are developed that will encourage these young people back 'into the system'," he said.
The Ministers thanked the review committee members: Dr Tannock, Mr Robert Player and Mr Royce Standish from the Department of Training, and Ms Lorraine Hams and Mr Terry Werner from the Department of Education - and their support staff.
The report will be available for public comment until Friday, January 31, 2003.
Ministers Carpenter and Kobelke will consider the report and public submissions before any changes to the existing system are implemented.
Education Minister's office: 9213 6800
Training Minister's office: 9222 9211