Early School Leaver

In 2001, 3416 15 year olds nationally were granted early leaver exemptions from school.  In Canterbury in 2001 362 exemptions were approved and in 2002 390 were approved – these are young people that are leaving school with no formal qualifications and are perceived to be at greater risk of disengaging from their chosen training or employment opportunities.  

The Early School Leaver Project, established in 2003, aims to provide early school leavers with support in order to make the transition from school, to training or work, as easy as possible.  

The following help is available:  

• Career advice, labour market information, and assistance
• Possible access to a wage subsidy – we may be able to offer potential employers a wage subsidy for up to 12 months if they are prepared to take you on
• Ongoing contact – we will keep in touch so if any help is required we are easily reachable  

In the 2003 Academic year 131 ESL’s case managed in 2003 – 85% of ESL client actively case managed involved in education, training or employment.    

For more information regarding this free service contact Duncan Dunbar or phone 379 5893.