Well informed jobs market key to remedy fall in education expectations

01 Aug 2018 |

A well-informed jobs market is key in managing the falling expectations of young people in prospective university or vocational education, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said today.

According to an Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) report released today, the 2015 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) survey results show that the proportion of 15-year-old students aiming for a university degree declined to 54%, down from 2003 (63%).

Likewise, only 3% aimed for a TAFE diploma in 2015, while in 2003 8% planned to do a TAFE diploma. The report showed that the biggest falls in expectations occurred between 2009 and 2015.

“This trend is concerning, especially since expectations will most likely translate into real outcomes. The 2015 results may have an impact on current enrolments into VET and Universities since the 15-year olds are now at the point of enrolment,” Australian Chamber Director of Employment, Education and Training, Jenny Lambert, said.

“As reflected in the report, expectations also often influence the amount of effort a student puts into their school work which may close off options even if their expectations and desires change.

“It is possible that both the poor youth unemployment market post the Global Financial Crisis, as well as the declining higher education graduate employment outcomes that hit a low point around the time of the survey, have had an impact on expectations.

“However, there are tools such as QILT, Job Outlook and MySkills websites which can help students make informed choices regarding where the jobs of the future are and which higher education institution and course are experiencing the best employment outcomes,” Ms Lambert said.

“Hopefully, armed with this information they can be more confident to indicate that further study is for them.

“Students need to also be informed that vocational education and training (VET) is a pathway of equal standing to university. The study indicates that collectively we have not done a good enough job on selling the job benefits of a VET diploma.”

Duncan Bremner

Director - Public Affairs and Advocacy

P  |  0448 822 666

E  |  [email protected]

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