NLIS 7
March 5, 2004
(Education)

 

Department releases graduate follow-up study

Education Minister John Ottenheimer today released Fast Forward, A 5-Year Post-Secondary Graduate Follow-Up Study, a report of the activities of 1995 post-secondary graduates, five to six years after graduation. It provides information on graduate employment and earning outcomes, the relationship of education to employment and the level of graduate satisfaction with their employment.

"I am pleased to report that the graduates of 1995 are enjoying quite favourable outcomes after five years," said Minister Ottenheimer. "The document indicates that a higher percentage of our graduates are employed. Eighty-six percent have found work, compared to 68 percent in 1996, and 80 per cent of those employed were in a permanent job. Additionally, three out of four graduates were employed in positions related to their education and training."

The follow-up study also questioned the earnings and loan-repayment history of the graduates. As expected, over time and with experience, graduates reported substantially higher earnings than received in 1996, and 80 per cent were satisfied with their wages. Further, Memorial University graduates and graduates of two and three-year college programs reported having more benefits with their jobs. Typically, loan repayment reflects the wage earnings of the graduates - those with higher paying jobs were more likely to have a reduced debt than those who were under-employed or unemployed.

"Another interesting find is that one in four graduates had undertaken further educational pursuits following their 1995 graduation," noted the minister. "We are pleased students recognize the vital importance of advanced education and are encouraged that many graduates are furthering their education for both personal and professional development."

The minister related the findings of the study with a statement in the Blueprint which said ‘higher levels of education generate higher levels of employment and income, and greater accessibility to post-secondary education generates a more equal and open society.'

"While there is still work to be done, we are making steps forward. As we have implemented the freeze in tuition and announced significant improvements in the administration of student loans, this government will continue in its excellent working relationships with post-secondary institutions and student organizations to improve accessibility to higher education."

The research for Fast Forward was jointly funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador under the Labour Market Development Agreement.

The report can be viewed at //www.gov.nl.ca/edu/pub/fiveyear/main.htm

Media contact: Lynn Salter, Communications, (709) 729-0048

2004 03 05                                        4:00 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement