Media Statements - Dust off the school bag and claim your cash

22/01/06

Education and Training Minister Ljiljanna Ravlich is reminding parents that if their children turn 16 this year, they must be enrolled in full-time study, be in an apprenticeship or training or employed in an approved job.

“We want all Western Australian students to be their best, so last year the Government passed legislation changing the school leaving age from 15 to 16 years,” Ms Ravlich said.

“We decided that 15 is simply too young to stop learning. Employers today expect their workers to be literate, numerate and competent. There is no doubt that an extra year of education helps.”

An Access Economics report showed that students who left school early earned 20 per cent less than those who stayed on in education.

“This is a change that is not just in the best interests of all students but one that will help ensure WA’s economy continues to thrive,” the Minister said.

“We will employ an extra 280 staff to help tailor-make education and training programs for the estimated 2,200 students who would have dropped out.

“We cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach to education. It is no use keeping students on if they are not learning, not interested and not actively engaged.”

Ms Ravlich was also keen to remind parents to once again take advantage of the ‘It Pays to Learn’ allowance.

“The allowance provides $200 to parents of students turning 16 and 17 years of age in Years 11 and 12 and up to $400 for students turning 16 and 17 in full-time training, apprenticeships and trainees,” the Minister said.

“I urge all eligible parents to make sure they claim their allowance.”

For more information about the new school leaving age and the ‘It Pays to Learn’ Allowance, log on to http://www.det.wa.edu.au or call 1800 245 485 Monday to Friday during office hours.

Minister's office: 9213 6800