New statistics released last night show more tertiary graduates are entering the workforce, prompting Minister for Education and Training Senator Simon Birmingham to urge school leavers to, “explore all their options to ensure they pick a field with strong long-term prospects and one that helps them follow their passion.”
Minister Birmingham said with most exam results out this week it is an exciting time for school leavers, encouraging them to explore every option when considering further education.
The latest figures from the Australian Graduate Survey show graduate employment rose to 68.8 per cent from 68.1 per cent last year. Minister Birmingham said the statistics reflect the Turnbull Government’s priorities as fields showing the highest-levels of employment for graduates were high-skilled courses.
“Congratulations to all of the 2015 school-leavers and their fantastic efforts,” Minister Birmingham said.
“As you take the next steps in your lives, there are great resources available for you to understand where you should focus your efforts and where the jobs of the future are.
“The statistics from the Australian Graduate Survey show the best areas of study for long-term opportunities so when you are considering higher education, keep in mind that different courses offer the prospect of very different employment outcomes.
“Information is readily available online to help people decide what and where to study, including Gradstats 2015, the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching website and myskills.gov.au,” Minister Birmingham said.
“The top courses providing great employment prospects are those with above-average earning opportunities and fields that need skills in engineering and architecture and medical disciplines.”
Last week, the Turnbull Government committed more than $112 million as part of its National Innovation and Science Agenda to inspire interest in digital literacy and STEM subjects so Australians are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
You can find out more about Gradstats 2015 here.
You can visit the QILT website here.
You can visit the myskills website here.
Media contact: James Murphy 0478 333 974
Nick Creevey 0447 644 957
Department Media: media@education.gov.au