If you or someone in your family has considered leaving school early, you’ll know it’s a deeply personal decision and often overshadowed by societal expectations and pressures. For many students and their families, this choice involves navigating a complex mix of emotions, practical considerations and future ambitions.
But amid the overwhelm, there is a guiding light. The Queensland Government has invested in opportunities like Vocational Education and Training (VET) that can give you the best of both worlds.
The days of leaving school in year 10 to complete a certificate or trade externally are no longer the only option. VET courses offer students in Years 11 and 12 the independence and flexibility they crave without leaving the friendships and social connections of high school.
As Queensland’s Small Training Provider of the Year, we have a long history of supporting school leavers, helping them find their path and achieve their goals.
Unveiling the stats: education trends and early school leavers
In Australia, around 20% of students don’t finish year 12, yet there are many success stories of early school leavers who have gone on to build rewarding careers. And in our experience, many also return to complete their education as mature-age students.
At the start of 2022, over 113,414 students across Years 10, 11 and 12 were enrolled in Queensland state schools, with 13,426 leaving before the year was finished. Of those who left, 35.2% continued on to further education or training, and 83.5% of this group combined study with paid employment.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs play a significant role in providing alternative pathways for these students, giving them opportunities to stay engaged and study career-accelerating courses (that actually interest them) while simultaneously completing their Certificate of Education.
Can you leave school in year 10?
Sometimes, leaving school in year 10 is the best option for a student. When students fall behind and feel disconnected, it’s natural for them to seek alternative paths. Amid the ongoing cost of living crisis, Doug Taylor, CEO of The Smith Family, highlights that disadvantaged 15-year-olds are typically about five years behind their wealthier peers in terms of schooling. This gap often leads to higher dropout rates among these students.
However, this doesn’t mean they lack the ability or desire to learn. Many students are keen to succeed but simply need the right support to unlock their potential.
Queensland Government funding in Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) like Demi International is addressing this growing need for alternative options.
Real student, real results: how Cooper found his path at 15
When Cooper left school at just 15, he wasn’t acting out or falling behind—he was stepping forward. With a clear vision for his future and the support of his mum, Rachael, he enrolled in the Certificate III in Barbering at our Gold Coast campus and quickly found his feet (and his fade).
Cooper isn’t alone in this journey, his mum Rachael saw early on that traditional schooling just wasn’t sparking his interest. “I remember thinking, you’re literally just there for the social side of it, you’re not getting value,” she says. “I wanted him to be doing something he loved, surrounded by people with the same ambition, not just sitting in a classroom for the sake of it.”
Now halfway through his course, Cooper is already dreaming big, planning to set up his own barbering business before he even turns 18.
His story is proof that when students are given the right tools and support, they can thrive outside the classroom.
What you need to know before leaving school early
In Queensland, schooling is compulsory for children aged 6 – 16, or until they complete Year 10, whichever comes first.
For many late teens, the desire for independence, the restrictions of a traditional school environment, and the tempting prospect of earning money can make continuing education feel burdensome. However, rushing to join the workforce can mean early school leavers have limited time to build social connections with peers their own age.
Finding the right path
For students who feel disengaged, choosing a path that aligns with their interests can be far more motivating than sticking with a traditional academic route. What matters most is having a clear, supported plan in place.
Knowing the difference between an RTO and a TAFE is a great first step in making the right choice.
Why staying in school (and starting VET) can be the best of both worlds
Leaving school early isn’t the only way to kickstart your career. For many students, completing Year 12 while studying a VET course offers the perfect balance of structure and freedom.
According to the National Skills Commission, more than 90% of new jobs over the next five years will require post-secondary qualifications. Starting a VET program in high school means students can get a head start on those qualifications, without giving up their social life, school support network, or Queensland Certificate of Education.
It’s also a smart financial move. People who finish Year 12 tend to earn around 10% more than those who don’t—and those with a Diploma or Certificate earn even more again.
VET during school lets students explore their passions, build real-world skills, and step into their future career with confidence, all before they even graduate.
High School VET Programs with Demi International
At Demi, we understand the balance young adults need and offer Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs in fields like beauty therapy, which typically take two years to complete.
Through our partnerships with high schools, students can spend two days a week training with us while continuing with their high school education on the other days. This approach allows students to maintain friendships and enjoy a balanced lifestyle.
By the time they finish Year 12, they’ll not only have their Certificate of Education but also a qualification that prepares them for immediate entry into a skilled occupation. They’ll be job-ready and equipped with the skills needed to thrive in a booming industry.
Another bonus is that some of our VET options provide pathways to university entry, offering even more opportunities for future growth and success.
Supporting our young people to thrive
If you or your child are considering leaving school early, it’s important to explore all options and find a path that best supports long-term success and wellbeing.
Chat with one of our friendly Course Advisors to explore VET courses, delivery methods, start dates, payment options and enrolment eligibility.
07 5309 6635
07 5301 9393