More students making smart choices

12/08/05
More Western Australian public school graduates are moving on to university, TAFE or training, Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich said today.
Releasing the latest survey results of WA's 2004 school leavers, Ms Ravlich said it was pleasing to see that more than two-thirds (67.6 per cent) of WA's 10,800 public school graduates had gone on to further study or training.
"This is a very big increase on last year, when only 63.6 per cent of school leavers went on to university, TAFE or training," she said.
"The Gallop Government's commitment to encouraging young people to take up the opportunities in our booming economy and meeting the skills shortage is paying dividends.
"One in every 11 students is now in training of some kind compared to one in every 14 when school leavers from 2003 were surveyed last year."
The Minister said it also appeared last year's graduates had been fussier about moving into less meaningful jobs, with those in part-time employment down to 6.4 per cent from eight per cent in the previous year.
"I think this indicates that young people are realising the long term benefits of further study or training, such as better pay and a more rewarding career path," she said.
Ms Ravlich said the key to a long and prosperous future was a good education.
"That is why the Gallop Government is committed to raising the school leaving age to 16 in 2006 and 17 in 2008," she said.
"Our goal is to create a system which is flexible enough to cater for all young people's education and training needs."
The Gallop Government has committed nearly $47million to provide extra staffing and new programs to better engage all 16 and 17-year-olds in WA schools and TAFE colleges.
"We want to ensure our young people stay engaged and keep learning and adding to their abilities by offering them more meaningful combinations of schooling, training and community and work-based activities," the Minister said.
"The Gallop Government is creating jobs and opportunities for young people - for now and in the future."
Minister's office: 9213 6800