The Standing Committee on Employment, Education and Training has today tabled its report, Unique Individuals, Broad Skills.
The Committee’s report presents the findings of a 12 month inquiry which examined how students are supported from school to work. During its inquiry, the Committee considered 80 submissions and held five public hearings in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Committee Chair Mr Andrew Laming MP said "Unique Individuals, Broad Skills, is as much about supporting teachers, as it is about supporting our young people to find fulfilling employment when they finish school."
"Improving the quality of teaching in our schools is fundamental to improving post-school outcomes for our students. It is vital that our teachers are class-room ready; that they have opportunities for professional development, and that teaching as a profession is valued and remunerated accordingly." Mr Laming said.
The Committee has made 35 recommendations in its report, including a series of recommendations aimed at lifting the quality of initial teacher training. The report also calls for increased career advisory support for students in schools, stronger connections between stakeholders and schools, and the promotion of vocational education and training, apprenticeships and traineeships. ---
Eight of the Committee’s recommendations relate specifically to students with disability. In the absence of significant evidence to the inquiry on this issue, the Committee recommends that a future inquiry examine how students with disability can be best supported from school to work.
