Year 12 students will benefit from a stronger link between school and career with the introduction of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) this year.
The QCE is a new qualification that replaces the traditional Senior Certificate students previously received at the end of Year 12.
It will record achievement in academic subjects, and workplace, vocational training, university and community endeavours such as sports coaching and first aid courses.
Credit points will be allocated to each of these achievements, with students needing to acquire at least 20 credits to receive the certificate. They must also meet minimum literacy and numeracy standards.
Queensland Director of the Australian Industry Group, Chris Rodwell, said employers were fully supportive of the QCE because it provides an in-depth overview of individual student achievements in school and non-school settings.
'We see it as a significant opportunity to improve links between schools and industry, ensuring greater recognition of vocational education,' Mr Rodwell said.
'The certificate also gives real insight to employers as to the skill attributes of prospective employees.'
Students aiming for a trade-based career may opt for tailored training programs during their senior education, and students seeking university placements may select advanced academic courses that lay the foundations for a degree.
Education Queensland Assistant Director-General Curriculum Division, Lesley Englert, said the Senior Certificate served as a record of subjects and performance, whereas the QCE would be far more valuable.
'It is effectively a passport to help students move confidently from school to work, training or further education,' Ms Englert said.
'Education used to be tailored almost exclusively towards academic pursuits. The new QCE better reflects today's expectations of a growing society and a better equipped work force.
'To put it simply, the QCE gives students flexibility in what, where and when they learn.'
Queensland Studies Authority Director Kim Bannikoff said state and non-state schools, parents, tertiary institutions, industry and business sectors were consulted widely during the development of the QCE.
'Schools are offering more flexibility in the way young people learn by exploring closer links with universities, TAFE colleges and employers,' Mr Bannikoff said.
'The QCE supports the transition from school to career because of the wide range of achievements recorded on the certificate, and it allows students to complete outstanding credits up to 24 years of age.'
For more information on the QCE, visit the Queensland Studies Authority website 
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Education, Training and Employment) 2008.