Ben Edwards & Jessica Arnup have detailed the stresses Year 12 students face in choosing a career in"New research shows Year 12 students face many pressures – far beyond study and exams (The Conversation, September 8, 2025). However, the situation is not as bleak as the researchers depict. The key to this optimism is the the last part of the article, where the authors note more interest in Vocational Education and Training (VET). This aligns with the government's target for study, which is not for 80% completing university by 2050, but "... 80 per cent of the workforce will have a TAFE qualification or a university degree" (Jason Clare, 18 December 2024).
More young people want to, and can, go to VET, instead of, or as a preparation, for university. Having a VET option reduces the stress for young people, providing a lower cost option, without high stakes exams, with nested, nationally standardised programs.
VET students can take a low cost, or free, short course to get an entry level job. They know study & what they do at work, will count towards further qualifications. VET competency based assessment removes the pressure to excel, which exams induce.
There is still an important role for universities. But they should learn from the VET approach.
No comments:
Post a Comment