- Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills
More than 4.5 million students were engaged in vocational education and training (VET) in Australia in 2015, developing skills for employment, strengthening local communities, and growing the national economy.
Assistant Minister for Vocational Education and Skills, Karen Andrews MP, said the Total VET students and courses report, published today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), showed around one in four working-age Australians participated in training last year.
“Australia’s VET system is characterised by a focus on industry-centred skills and training because that produces the best outcomes for individuals and business alike,” Minister Andrews said.
“A high quality, diverse VET system equips people in communities throughout Australia with the skills they need for jobs, and which employers seek to help grow their businesses.”
Minister Andrews said the NCVER report shows the diversity and dynamism of vocational education and training provision in Australia.
“Nearly two thirds of students in 2015 were aged 25 years or older, with around one in five aged between 15 and 19 years, and more than two in every five VET students were female,” Minister Andrews said.
“There is a dynamic training market with thousands of training providers throughout Australia ranging from large and diverse TAFEs and other providers, to niche private training providers to community education providers.
“This diversity is also reflected in the breadth of qualifications being studied, with the top four training packages – in Business Services; Community Services; Tourism, Travel and Hospitality; and Construction, Plumbing and Services – representing 46 per cent of total enrolments.
“The Turnbull Government is committed to continuing to improve the effectiveness of Australia’s VET sector to the benefit of students, business and industry alike.”
For more information visit: https://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/publications/all-publications/2874