Pathways of Alberta youth through the post-secondary system into the labour market, 1996-2003

[This report] describes the learning pathways taken by Alberta’s high school graduating class of 1996 during the seven years following exit from high school, as well as their experience in the labour market. The findings reinforce evidence that investments in post-secondary education (PSE) lead, on average, to better jobs for the participants. They also point to the importance, for access to and completion of PSE programs, of placing institutions in mid-sized communities, implementing effective credit transfer policies, and continuing efforts to remove barriers to participation by youth from low-income families. As interrupted and non-linear PSE journeys are quite common, [the authors] note that opportunities for young people to reconsider their educational plans, and to change direction, should be maintained within the system. A system that supports a second chance for young people should be available.

Excerpt from published introduction. Show less