On Track

The Age, 16 June 2008; Herald Sun, 16 June 2007

The Victorian Government has released its annual On Track destination data from Year 12 students in 2007. The On Track survey highlights the diversity of pathways young people pursue after leaving secondary school.

The survey of approximately 33,000 students who completed their VCE last year, found that fewer VCE graduates are attending university. The report also found that the number of students deferring their university placements has risen to 11 per cent, which is the ‘highest rate of deferrals since the government started tracking students five years ago’.

According to the survey’s findings, 80 per cent of students deferring their university placements were working to save money to support themselves when they resumed their studies.

The Victorian Minister for Education, Ms Bronwyn Pike, believes that the survey results show that the Federal Government should ‘rethink’ and ‘boost’ their student income support programmes. Opposition Education Spokesperson, Mr Martin Dixon, also agreed that ‘costs were a major factor in stopping students from even attempting further study.’

The On Track destination data survey also found that:

• one in four students are not involved in any form of higher education or training
• 54 per cent of non-government schools students are studying at university
• 36 per cent of government school students are studying at university
• nine per cent of non-government school students have entered the workforce
• 20 per cent of government school students have entered the workforce, and
• three per cent of students are currently looking for work.

For further information or to download a copy of the On Track 2008 – Year 12 Destination Data, visit the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development website.

 

 

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