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This report presents results from the longitudinal survey undertaken as part of the Victorian On Track survey of school leavers. The purpose of the longitudinal research component is to follow samples of Victorian school leavers over a five-year period, to enable in-depth analysis of pathways from school to further study and work. The current report examines the activities and experiences of the cohort of 2004 Year 12 completers and early school leavers during their first year since leaving school. The results indicate that many school leavers enter study and training or work on leaving school and continue in study in the following year. The completion of a vocational education and training (VET) qualification results in early school leavers having a much greater chance of gaining full-time work. There are strong associations between a student's school experiences and their destinations in their first post-school year. Key findings are that: apprenticeships and traineeships are integral to the pathways of early school leavers; apprenticeship training is an important avenue out of unemployment for early leavers; early experiences of unemployment have lasting effects for early leavers; university continuation rates are strong for Year 12 completers; many who initially defer, enrol in post-school study the following year; apprenticeships and traineeships are increasingly important sources of training for school completers; and completion of Year 12 or a post-school qualification leads to improved employment outcomes. The results highlight the importance of preventative measures in the school system, the need for continuing support for the development of young people's lifelong learning foundation skills at school, and continuing to recognise and reinforce the important role of apprenticeships and other VET certificate courses as viable pathways to employment, particularly for early school leavers.

Earlier reports are indexed at TD/TNC 84.165 and TD/TNC 84.166. Show less