Great advice about the opportunities ahead for our young people

Our Year 10 students were very fortunate to attend a presentation by Mr Ivan Neville from the Labour Market Research and Analysis Branch (Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Canberra) on 30 July. He provided insightful information on types of work into the future, industry needs and growth areas, skills in demand now and into the future, and educational pathways that will enhance sustainable career opportunities.

Mr Neville spoke to students about the significant advantages those who finish Year 12 have over those who don’t, when it comes to employment. Those finishing Year 12 have significantly lower rates of unemployment.

He presented interesting research which demonstrates that students who graduate in any higher education degree have significant financial advantages, on average, compared to those that don’t. Additionally, workers who have graduated with trade/TAFE qualifications earn, on average, very similar rates to those who graduate from university.

The students also heard from three Young Industry Ambassadors in Bendigo who spoke about life beyond school from their own experiences of a variety of pathways. Their consistent advice was that it is important to follow your interests and passions, and that you should always try to finish what you start, be that Year 12 or higher education.

You can download summaries from the two sessions below.

Mr Matthew Angove, Director of Learning & Teaching – St Mary’s