Senior Secondary Pathways Review

A new report released last week sets out recommendations to improve how senior students learn about their opportunities to pursue work or further studies.

In a media release, the Australian Government welcomed the release of the final report of the Review of Senior Secondary Pathways, led by Professor Peter Shergold, Looking to the future – Report of the review of senior secondary pathways into work, further education and training.

The report makes 30 findings on the current senior secondary pathways arrangements and 20 recommendations on helping young people navigate their senior years and enter further study or the workforce including:

• Introducing a learner profile that will identify a student’s range of skills, knowledge and experiences both from inside and outside the classroom
• Developing a national strategy with the Skills Council to deliver VET to secondary students
• Strengthening career guidance by creating a network of hubs providing individualised career guidance with an initial focus on regional and remote areas

Federal Minister for Education Dan Tehan said the recommendations made by Prof Shergold worked in conjunction with the government’s plans to improve higher education and vocational education and training.

"Improving how we guide young Australians into work or further study in a way that satisfies their ambitions while ensuring they have the skills that employers’ demand will be critical to the recovery of the youth labour market," Minister Tehan said.

Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business Senator Michaelia Cash said the government strongly supported the report’s aims of strengthening the quality and relevance of vocational education and training in schools, while also supporting school-based apprenticeships and traineeships.

"Building engagement between schools and local employers exposes students to opportunities in their local area and helps them develop job-ready skills," Senator Cash said.

"The report’s focus on the importance of high-quality career guidance for students aligns with our establishment of a National Careers Institute (NCI)," she said.  "The NCI is undertaking valuable work in bringing together schools, businesses, industry and career practitioners to help people successfully move through their chosen careers."

The government will consider the recommendations of the review before working closely with state and territory colleagues on a response through Education Council.

Download the report