A report, entitled Career Aspirations of Gozitan Students, based on a survey analysis amongst Gozitan students from Form Five upwards, was today presented to the Hon Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, at a meeting of the Gozo Educational & Vocation Training Council.

Speaking during the meeting, held at the Ministry for Gozo, Minister Debono said that the report gives an interesting analysis of the snapshot of Gozitan students attending Form Five, Sixth Form, the University of Malta and other educational institutions such as MCAST, ITS and the Gozo Centre for Art & Crafts during academic year 2004-2005. The survey was commissioned by the Gozo Educational & Vocation Training Council, set up by the Ministry for Gozo in 2005.

Whilst offering a valid evaluation and worthy recommendations for the continuous development of this fundamental sector in Gozo, the report also notes encouraging figures regarding the number of Gozitan students who are opting for higher level education in order to pursue better careers.

Minister Debono referred to findings of the survey that claim that Gozitan students at Sixth Form level show a higher preference for science subjects than their Maltese counterparts, while the majority of Gozitan students that participated in the survey showed an intention of pursuing their studies beyond present education. The higher proportion of females who were following tertiary educational courses during the course of the survey, make the participation of women in the labour market more probable. Most encouraging is the fact that few students showed their intention of leaving school at the age of sixteen. The report indicates that progress is being made in pursuit of the education-related goals set out in the Lisbon Agenda.

Such a survey, said Minister Debono, should serve as a tool for career guidance as well as future employers and businesses as it projects further changes and shifts in the economic development of the island in the years to come. At the same time, the report highlights specific measures and recommendations that should be followed for the benefit of today's students and tomorrow's human resources. Minister Debono concluded by thanking the members of the Gozo Educational & Vocation Training Council for their valid contribution especially through the study being presented. The findings will surely serve as an important guide for plans and policies that will be undertaken by the Ministry for Gozo in favour of Gozitan youths.

Gozo news will be publishing a detailed analysis of the survey results tomorrow, Sunday the 9th of December.