GOOD news for the Ipswich Class of 2023 as a new survey shows that about 87% of their forerunners have gone on to post-school success.
But the annual Next Steps survey for 2023 also reveals 91% of students across the state who completed Year 12 in 2022 were engaged in education, training or employment six months after graduating.
The state-wide result is the highest recorded for Queensland state school leavers since 2008 but the figures show that Ipswich lags by a small amount.
Education or training was the preferred destination for 60% of Queensland students, with many progressing to bachelor degrees, followed by employment at 31%.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 completer outcomes have continued to improve post-COVID, with total engagement in education, training or employment at 80% in 2023, although this is obviously lower than all students and no explanation was forthcoming in the materials provided.
State member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard gave a slightly downbeat response to the figures, saying, “While this is commendable progress, there’s more ground to cover as these students are vital in shaping a skilled and adaptable workforce capable of tackling any challenge.”
Her Bundamba counterpart, Lance McCallum, was a bit more fulsome, as he noted, “
The hard work and talent of Ipswich’s Class of 2023 means their future’s are bright with no limits. This 15-year high result is backed by new and upgraded schools and record front line teaching staff that are unprecedented.”
