Who supports young school leavers?

The NSW Government proposal, to raise the minimum school leaving age to 16, is being supported by the NSW Business Chamber.

“Students who complete their Year 10 qualifications demonstrate a certain level of competence which employers are always looking for,” says Kathy Rankin, NSW Business Chamber, senior policy advisor. “Business doesn’t get any benefit from young people entering the workforce without adequate reading, writing, technical and social skills. Young people need to develop the skills that will set them up for lifetime learning.”

While the Chamber supports the move, it also says there needs to be additional support for struggling Year 9 and 10 students. “If we are to ask young people who are having difficulties in school to stick it out until the end of Year 10 then we have an obligation to help them meet that finish line,” Rankin explains. “We have to ensure that the courses are relevant to their needs and include vocational experiences.”