If you’re a secondary principal, teacher or career advisor, what is the average year 12 completion rate for students in your school? Do you know the reasoning behind why some students decide to leave early? How could you best support these students? A new report offers answers to these questions.
Results of a new and ongoing study by The Smith Family are providing direct insights from hundreds of young people experiencing disadvantage on their post-school pathways. Click to read: Smith Family Pathways, Engagement and Transitions (PET) Survey Results 2024 – Australian Study
The Pathways, Engagement and Transitions (PET) study is helping to build an understanding of how young people experiencing disadvantage can be better supported with their future careers while they are at school, and during the important post-school transition period.
Key findings
Young people identified several factors that helped them decide on, and work towards, their post-school pathway including:
- Support from a range of sources, particularly family and friends, as well as non-government organisations
- Work exposure, VET study and being able to try different career options while at school
- Careers support while at school. Most young people surveyed (86 percent) recalled receiving careers support while at school and just over half of this group (55 percent) found this support helpful.
The survey findings reveal 8 factors identified by young people as contributing to why they left school early.
Early indicators of students who need extra support
A major finding from the report is the impact poor attendance has on a student’s likelihood to leave school early. Researchers found that over half of students whose attendance was considered low in year 9 left school before finishing year 12, compared to less than 1 in 5 students who had high attendance.
Careers and pathways education plays a crucial role
In light of these findings, The Smith Family say increased provision of individualized career advice and support throughout secondary schooling years is needed. ‘Support should be accessible, engaging, and meaningful to young people. Tailored support can both contribute to greater levels of school engagement and completion and stronger post-school pathways for those young people who do leave school early’.
International research has shown the positive impacts careers education can have on student engagement and academic motivation. The PET study has found a correlation between a student’s experience of receiving careers advice and whether or not they complete year 12.
Read Full Report .. PDF
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