South West Local Learning and Employment Network (LLEN) chief executive officer Toni Jenkins said it was not too late for young school leavers to reconsider their options for 2012.

“The last two years of secondary school are crucial for your future prospects, but too many people in our region are leaving school as soon as they are allowed,” she said.

In 2010, the region’s year 12 retention rate was the third lowest of the nine regions in Victoria. All regional areas fell below the metropolitan retention rate of 87 per cent.

Victoria aims to have a 92 per cent year 12 completion rate.

Ms Jenkins said many young people were lured to leave school early by the prospect of a paying job.

“However, in many cases it would be better to take a longer-term view,” she said.

“The jobs they take now might appear to be well-paid to someone who has not previously had an income, but what will those pay levels be like in 20 years?

“It’s difficult. Young people might not see the content as relevant. What they are doing is learning to learn.

“Parents need to understand the education system is not what it was. Look at all options and if one model doesn’t suit, there is another that could.

“The south-west region has a bright economic future, particularly in green energy and developing our natural resources.

“Our young people will have the best chance of contributing to our growth and benefiting from it if they have a good education.”

Ms Jenkins said employers were less likely to take on young staff who required more training and more likely to take on those who had training or showed a good aptitude for training

“Your best option is to make yourself as job ready as possible and staying through to complete year 12 or equivalent will give you much better outcomes,” she said.

“New jobs are constantly emerging all the time and with an uncertain global economy, keeping up with education is vital.”

Ms Jenkins said students who had left school at the end of 2011 but had not found employment should think about completing their courses and discuss returning.

“The best option would be to talk to your former school, but if that isn’t practical you could discuss moving to another school, look at alternatives such as TAFE, Community College Warrnambool, adult education centres or online learning,” she said.

South West LLEN can help young people with their options. The network can be contacted on 5561 0047.