Student perceptions of VET and their post-school plans: survey of Year 9 and 10 students in 15 NSW secondary schools

In Term 4 2000, a total of 2,088 Year 9 and 10 students across 15 NSW secondary schools participated in a survey as part of the Equity and VET in Schools research project. The purpose of the survey was to: (1) collect demographic and profile information about the cohorts of Year 9 and 10 students in the 15 research study schools and (2) explore students' knowledge of vocational education and training (VET) and gain some insight into their intentions and perceptions, both in terms of continuing their schooling to Year 12 and pursuing their post-school plan.

Of the 2,088 students in Years 9 and 10 who participated in this survey: (1) 36 per cent said they might experience some difficulty in completing their schooling to Year 12; (2) 30 per cent either did not intend or were unsure about completing Years 11 and 12; and (3) 46 per cent cast doubt over the relevance of what they were learning at school.

The new VET framework courses have certainly been successful in attracting students intent on going to university after completing their schooling. Perhaps it is timely that additional emphasis now be given to developing alternative strategies aimed specifically at meeting the vocational needs of students at risk of leaving school early and assisting them to make real and sustained transitions to further education and training and employment.

Excerpt from published paper reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.

In Term 4 2000, a total of 2,088 Year 9 and 10 students across 15 NSW secondary schools participated in a survey as part of the Equity and VET in Schools research project. The purpose of the survey was to: (1) collect demographic and profile information about the cohorts of Year 9 and 10 students in the 15 research study schools and (2) explore students' knowledge of vocational education and training (VET) and gain some insight into their intentions and perceptions, both in terms of continuing their schooling to Year 12 and pursuing their post-school plan.

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