School-leavers urged to complete Year 12

The State Government today urged Year 10 and 11 school-leavers to consider returning to school to complete their secondary education.

Education Minister Kay Hallahan said it was forecast that up to 6,000 Year 10 and 11 students could decide not to return to school in 1992 - jeopardising their long-term job prospects.

"There is clear evidence that the more education and training young people undertake, the better their chance of finding rewarding employment," she said.

"Technological changes in industry means there are fewer jobs these days for students who opt to leave school before completing the full twelve years of education."

Mrs Hallahan said students would give themselves the best chance for the future by opting to stay on to Year 12.

She said the Government would guarantee a place in schools for any student wanting to complete their final years of secondary education.

This was in addition to the Government's commitment to provide all 1991 Year 12 graduates with an opportunity to further their education and training.

"Young people are our most precious resource and an investment in their education or training is an investment in the State's future," she said.

The Minister released the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures (February 91) which demonstrated the link between employment and education qualifications.

Education attainment                                      Unemployment rate

Schooling not completed                                13.7 per cent

Schooling completed                                      11.5 per cent

Certificate/diploma                                          8.8 per cent

Trade/apprenticeship                                       7.5 per cent

University degree                                            4.6 per cent

Mrs Hallahan said the Government had initiated major reforms to secondary schooling so it suited the needs and abilities of more young people.

"The more relevant Years 11 and 12 are to life beyond school, the more likely young people will want to stay on and complete the full twelve years - a vital foundation for future qualifications," she said.

"Education is now a lifelong process.  Employers are looking for workers who can adapt, learn new skills and expand their knowledge; twelve years of schooling is the first step."