Media Release
DEET Chief Executive briefs industry and business leaders
Thursday, 4 April 2007
Employment, Education and Training Chief Executive Margaret Banks has provided Territory industry and business leaders with an update on two key strategies designed to ensure that young Territorians are work-ready when they leave school.
Ms Banks spoke about the Department’s commitment to increasing industry/school partnerships, improving the Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) program and proposed changes to the Northern Territory Certificate of Education (NTCE) at the industry briefing in Darwin this morning.
“We are working to increase the number of secondary-school leavers who make a successful transition to work, further education or training,” Ms Banks said.
“It is important for industry and employers to engage with educators to ensure that young Territorians are 'work ready' when they leave school.
“Employers today are looking for young people who have concrete skills in learning and technology which they can apply within a work situation. They are looking for young people with competencies in communication, planning, problem solving, teamwork and self-management.”
The industry briefing also heard how potential changes to the current Northern Territory Certificate of Education would link to employment pathways for school leavers.
“The aim of this review is to create a more flexible learning environment where students will develop business, interpersonal and employment-related skills relevant to the current economic environment.”
Ms Banks said the Northern Territory Board of Studies is seeking feedback from all stakeholders regarding the direction the NT Certificate of Education will take.
Changes to the Northern Territory Certificate of Education will not take place before 2009, commencing with Year 10 only in the first year of implementation. Current Year 12 students or those due to begin Year 11 or 12 in 2008 or 2009 will not be affected.
Information about the review and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the Department of Employment, Education and Training website: http://www.deet.nt.gov.au/education
Public input will play an important role in final decisions on any changes to the NTCE requirements. Public feedback can be provided by 13 April 2007 through schools, via fax (8999 5795) or email – ntbos@nt.gov.au