Youth participation information for schools
Schools must note these reforms and what they mean in relation to their responsibilities under the Education Act (NT). These changes will impact on the way young people transition from school to work after completing Year 10.
Penalties under the Education Act may apply for failure to comply with these requirements and parents, guardians, employers and young people must therefore ensure that they are aware of and comply with these requirements.
For example, employers must not employ a young person until they have completed year 10. There is an exception for part time or casual work while a young person is still enrolled at school, provided (i) the employment is not at a time when the young person is required to attend school or (ii) does not render the young person unfit to attend school or to receive and understand instruction at school.
Year 10
Under the new legislation students now have to complete year 10 of secondary education. After year 10 students must continue to participate in education, training or employment or a combination thereof until the age of 17.
A student can get a part-time or casual job provided (i) the employment is not at a time when the young person is required to attend school or (ii) does not render the young person unfit to attend school or to receive and understand instruction at school.
After year 10 is completed - until aged 17
If a student has decided to stay at school to complete Year 11 and then Year 12 or until s/he has turned 17 then nothing changes.
Students can have a casual or part-time paid job provided i) the employment is not at a time when the young person is required to attend school or (ii) does not render the young person unfit to attend school or to receive and understand instruction at school.
Students do not have to fill in any forms.
Leaving full time education but not yet 17
If students want to leave full time education and they are under 17 years of age then they must have completed Year 10 of secondary education, and thereafter participate full-time in one of the following eligible options:
- approved education and/or training, or
- if the young person is of or above the age of 15 years
- paid employment **, or
- a combination of approved education, training and paid employment.
The school’s responsibilities for a young person engaging in work and training:
Schools must complete a Notification of Arrangements Form (word 77 kb) and forward the form to
Participation, Pathways and Engagement Division
Department of Education and Training
GPO Box 4821, Darwin, NT 0801
t: (08) 8944 9274
f: (08) 8999 4399
e: learnorearn.det@nt.gov.au
Please note: When the Notification of Arrangements Form is sent to the Participation, Pathways and Engagement Division, Department of Education and Children’s Services, the arrangements will be confirmed in writing with the parents and the employer/trainer.
If students change their arrangements
If young people change their arrangements, e.g. if they leave their employer or change their type or place of employment, or training is changed from full time to part time or visa versa, they must send in a new Notification of Arrangements Form (word 77 kb) There are penalties for non compliance with youth participation laws. For example, if the young person does not participate in education, work, training or a combination of all three until they are 17 years old.
If the school is aware that a young person is in breach of the youth participation requirements the school must inform the Participation and Pathways Division, Department of Education and Training. Usual enrolment and attendance compliance procedures will then apply.
** Participation in paid employment on a full-time basis requires participation for an average of 25 hours per week.