More and more young Australians are electing to take gap years between the completion of their high school education and the commencement of tertiary education, according to recent statistics released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).

 

However, far from spending a feckless year abroad on some sun soaked Iberian beach, most elect to spend their time working or pursuing further education.

 

The figures show that 24% of young Australians took a gap year in the period 2009-10, an increase from 10% in the ten years since 1999-2000.

 

Most gap-takers worked either part-time (28%) or full-time (23%), while others studied for a non-university qualification (10%), while only 6 per cent made it to the aforementioned beach.

 

“This research shows that a gap year is not just a year of fun and frivolity, but time many students take to refine their study or career goals and support the next stage of their life,” said Dr Tom Karmel, Managing Director, NCVER.

 

“The findings suggest that many gap-takers work to raise money for later study and expenses like rent, text books, and general living, or extra costs associated with relocating from non-metropolitan regions.

 

Who takes a gap year and why? is available from: www.lsay.edu.au/publications/2496.html