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Mr. Speaker, I raise today to inform my colleagues about the release of CareerSearch 2004. This publication provides parents, students, policy makers and program administrators with follow-up information on students who graduated from our post-secondary institutions in the year 2002. Mr. Speaker, this government is committed to a strong post-secondary education system that will enable graduates to succeed in the labour market and continue to contribute to the social and economic development of our province. CareerSearch provides current information on the job prospects, salaries and debt levels of recent graduates. Knowing these the labour market outcomes of programs allows students to make informed choices regarding their career planning goals and post-secondary study. The report is based on the results of a telephone survey of graduates of 2002 approximately one year following their graduation. Nearly 7600 students graduated at that time and approximately 66% responded to this survey. Mr. Speaker, as Minister of Education, I strongly support initiatives that ensure accountability for our post-secondary programs. CareerSearch helps ensure that the institutions are accountable for the programs they offer. CareerSearch shows that graduates in general are finding employment in the labour market. Approximately 75% of graduates from most programs found their first full-time job prior to graduation or within three months of graduating. I am pleased to report that more of our post-secondary graduates are choosing to remain in the province after graduation. This is great news for our economy and our future. Out-migration of MUN undergraduates has dropped significantly from 28% of graduates of 2000 to 22% of graduates from 2002. Similarly, the out-migration of college graduates has fallen from 20% to 14%. Graduates of programs such as Memorial Master's programs, three-year College of the North Atlantic programs and Journeyperson trades indicate very high labour market results in terms of full-time employment. The employment rates for nursing school graduates and Marine Institute Diploma graduates are also quite good. Similarly, graduates from Memorial Master's programs, three-year college programs and Journeyperson trades indicate high labour market results in terms of wages. The wages reported by Nursing School graduates and Marine Diploma graduates are also significant. Mr. Speaker, it is important that this information is available to all those considering post-secondary studies. Copies of the report will be distributed to all school district offices, high schools, and HRLE and HRSDC offices in the province. In addition, the on-line searchable database version of CareerSearch available through the Department of Education web site. Mr. Speaker, we know that publication of CareerSearch is essential to effective career planning as well as improving the system' s responsiveness to the needs of students and the labour market. I encourage all stakeholders make use of this valuable resource. News Release - Minister releases CareerSearch 2004 Thank you.
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