Craig Emerson, a Labor backbencher, has suggested that completing Year 12 should be compulsory for all students. Julie Bishop, John Howard and even Kim Beazley have all said they disagree.
Emerson cites some interesting statistics to back his claim, including the following:
- Early school leavers earn 20% less than those who complete Year 12, who in turn earn 20% less than those with vocational education, who in turn earn 40% less than university graduates;
- Those who want to leave early but stay on regardless earn 10% more over their lifetimes;
- After several years, 20 per cent of male early leavers were unemployed compared to 10 per cent who completed high school;
- After several years, 60 per cent of female early leavers were unemployed compared to 7 per cent who completed high school.
Relative earnings by education level
If we assume that Emerson's statistics are correct, should completing Year 12 be made compulsory? The answer is a lot messier than most politicians would like. On the one hand, point 2 above suggests forcing a student to complete Year 12 will boost their lifetime earnings. On the other hand, if every student were to complete Year 12, that earnings boost would vanish: too many school-educated workers, and too few with technical skills.
This brings us to a distasteful conclusion. As a parent, you would want to do everything you can to see your child complete Year 12, but your advice to other children would be "it's your choice".
Articles:
- Craig Emerson's Speech (particularly starting bottom of page 22)
- Year 12 should be compulsory: Emerson
- Howard dismisses Labor's Year 12 plan
- School's out with teenage job rush