Aboriginal, refugee and disabled school-leavers in Brimbank and Melton are successfully progressing into further education, apprenticeships or full-time work.
A report by Melton and Brimbank Local Learning and Employment Network (MBLLEN) shows that most of the 111 students deemed “vulnerable” in years 10, 11 and 12 at 10 government schools and two specialist schools in Melton and Brimbank had either found work or gone on to further education.
MBLLEN commissioned education consultant Mary Cahill to investigate the progress – since they left school – of students with indigenous or refugee backgrounds, or with disabilities.
Data was collected from Copperfield SC (three campuses), Keilor Downs SC, Kurunjang SC, Lakeview SC, Melton SC, St Albans SC, Staughton SC, Sunshine SC (four campuses), Taylors Lakes SC and Victoria University SC (two campuses).
MBLLEN executive officer Graeme Brown said he was pleased with results showing that more than three-quarters of indigenous students finished year 12 and went on to successful outcomes.
Seventy-seven per cent of refugee students and 72 per cent of students with disabilities also went to university or TAFE, started an apprenticeship or found a full-time job.
The principal of Jackson School in St Albans, Joan O’Connor-Cox, said every 2013 school-leaver had found a placement, including in automotive mechanic and spray painting apprenticeships and work education courses at Victoria University.
