Many early school leavers are opting for vocational education and training (VET) to complete their education and learn the skills they need to get a job. But for them to succeed, quality career planning that is inclusive of parents is critical.
Latest research VET as a re-engagement pathway for early school leavers from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) examined the factors that influence young people who left school before completing Year 12 to re-engage with education. It analysed data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY).
About 75% of the survey respondents who left school before completing Year 12 re-engaged with some form of education. About 63% re-engaged with education via VET.
Of those early school leavers who re-engaged with some form of education after leaving school, just over half (51%) entered into apprenticeships and traineeships. Other VET courses, not delivered as part of an apprenticeship or traineeship, made up 34% of all educational re-engagement.
Parents are a strong influence in encouraging early school leavers to re-engage with education, especially through VET. Early school leavers with parents or guardians who had VET aspirations for them were more likely to take that step in their education and career pathway.
Most survey respondents who re-engaged with education after leaving school early do so within six months of leaving school. This, combined with personal and parental post-school plans, suggests that these young people are making conscious decisions about their learning and career pathways at the time they leave school.
Providing easy-to-understand and tailored career information to both students and parents is therefore important. Career advice must start well before senior secondary school and needs to cover relevant course choices and available financial help.
Background:
This research analysed data from the 2006 and 2009 LSAY cohorts. LSAY is a nationally representative survey that tracks 15-year-old students who are in school at their first interview (aged 15), as they move from school to other educational or employment destinations until they are 25 years of age. A total of 3,530 respondents identified as early school leavers.
Quotes attributable to Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER
- Young people are particularly vulnerable during economic downturns. With the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important for young people to obtain qualifications needed to gain employment.
- VET plays an important role in enabling early school leavers to continue their education and obtain qualifications for employment. Apprenticeships and traineeships, in particular, provide an option for early school leavers to obtain a qualification while being employed.
Download: VET as a re-engagement pathway for early school leavers
Enquiries: Mariane Umali M: 0406 824 184 E: marianeumali@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.