Capable Auckland SECOND Meeting

Guest Speaker: Dr Lesley Patterson

'Between then (leaving school) and now (aged 21): what happens to young people who don't go on to tertiary education after leaving school?'

 This presentation summarises recent qualitative research exploring the post school experiences of young people who had either left school early, or, if they had completed secondary school, did not go on to tertiary education. By age 21 there was considerable variation in the biographical patterns of their lives, including their employment, educational, living and family circumstances. Nevertheless, young people from similar social backgrounds shared some similar post school experiences, pointing to the enduring salience of class and gender relations for understanding the contemporary 'transition to adulthood'.

 The research was completed as a part of the 'Competent Learners Study', a longitudinal study which has followed over 400 participants since they were aged near five years. Competent Learners is funded by the New Zealand Council for Educational Research and the Ministry of Education.

Dr Lesley Patterson is a sociologist based at Massey University's Wellington campus. Lesley has a particular interest in the sociology of family and personal life, and biographical research methods.

Light morning tea will be provided; please RSVP to Diana.Leenhouwers@careers.govt.nz

Limited parking available on site.