WorkINSIGHT: Transition focus
The big picture on learning pathways for school-leavers is presented in the second issue of WorkInsight, the Department of Labour's six-monthly skills and work report.
The big picture on learning pathways for school-leavers is presented in the second issue of WorkInsight, the Department of Labour's six-monthly skills and work report.
Speaking at the launch of the report at a regional employment forum in Whangarei, Steve Maharey, the Social Development and Employment Minister, said too many young people were leaving school without the basic skills they needed to live and work in modern New Zealand.
"In 2001, while 85 percent of 16 and 17 year-olds were in education or training, around 9000 school-leavers left school with no qualifications at all.
"Leaving education with no qualifications undermines later job prospects. In 2001, only 55 percent of 25 to 29 year-olds with no qualifications had a job. This compares with 80 percent for those with higher school certificate, and 85 percent employment with a degree.
"Stopping any young person slipping away from school into a possible lifetime of unemployment was a manifesto commitment of both parties in the coalition government. Budget 2003 has put in place a comprehensive package of initiatives for young people, such as expanding the Gateway programme to all decile 1-5 secondary schools and boosting the number of Modern Apprentices.
"We're driving home the message to young people that there is no one rigid pathway from school to education, training or work. But there are people, programmes and information to help make the best decisions about your future," Steve Maharey said.
The second issue of WorkInsight is available online at www.dol.govt.nz/workinsight.asp.
It is aimed at anyone interested in job market trends, in particular intermediaries such as career and employment advisors.
Disclaimer
The views in this publication are not necessarily those of Career Services or its board. They have been published in the interests of encouraging understanding and debate on career related issues.
