Successful Youth Transitions Secondary Principals’ Conference 21 May 2004

The Issue At any point in time around 10 – 15% of 15 – 19 year olds are not in education, training or work This represents somewhere between 27,000 and 40,000 young people Not all are at risk – some are moving between activities, or taking ‘time out’ UK research suggests significant costs for year olds not in education, employment or training

A transitions framework NZ already has many of the features the OECD considers effective, including: Well organised pathways connecting education, training and the labour market Workplace experience combined with education Transitions systems aimed at potential school leavers and unemployed youth Good information and guidance about services at school and post school Effective institutions and processes

Priorities Enhancing careers information, advice and guidance Improving coordination of post-school local support services for at-risk youth Improving vocational education and training in schools

New funding in Budget 2004 Budget funding of $56.9 million over four years Initiatives are aimed at both school students and school leavers

Budget 2004 cont’d New transitions service Expansion of Gateway to Decile 6 Additional funding for Modern Apprenticeships Training Incentive Allowance for teenage parents Designing Careers pilot Enhancements to STAR

Designing Careers Two year pilot 75 schools Every student in year 10 Selected year students Ministry of Education will be advertising for expressions of interest in late May/early June

Enhancements to STAR Five permanent positions at Colleges of Education Development of best practice materials

Next stage priorities Ensuring adequate access to post-school foundation skills programmes Extending the range of work/study options Enhancing the post-training support available for at-risk young people Reviewing the financial incentives available to support young people to participate in education and training Improving the support services available for young people with disabilities Identifying future job opportunities in industry

Breaking News… Term Dates New dates which will mean: –Starting after Waitangi Day (for all but 2009) –One week holiday mid Term 3 for secondary and composite schools to cater for national tournaments –Primary, composite and secondary schools all finishing together, closer to Christmas –Minimise disruption to NCEA - exams will begin one week later –Slightly shorter break in April for all schools