Data released today from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) outperform their public sector counterparts when it comes to employer satisfaction with nationally recognised training.
The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) is the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education sectors. ITECA notes that on all key measures of employer satisfaction with nationally recognised training, private RTOs achieve higher levels of satisfaction than their public sector counterparts.
"What the NCVER data confirms is that independent skills training is great for students, great for employers, and great for Australia," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
Released today, the NCVER Employer’s Use And Views Of The VET System shows significant levels of employer satisfaction with the nationally recognised training delivered by private RTOs.
- Relevance of skills taught - Satisfaction: TAFE: 80.1% / Private RTO: 85.7%
- Condition of equipment and facilities - Satisfaction: TAFE: 74.1% / Private RTO: 84.9%
- Cost-effectiveness of the training - Satisfaction: TAFE: 72.8% / Private RTO: 80.6%
- Flexibility of the provider in meeting your needs - Satisfaction: TAFE: 66.9% / Private RTO: 86.8%
- Trainer’s knowledge and experience of your industry: - Satisfaction: TAFE: 76.8% / Private RTO: 86.3%
- Standard of assessment - Satisfaction: TAFE: 72.9% / Private RTO: 87.8%
- Overall satisfaction with training - Satisfaction: TAFE: 76.6% / Private RTO: 85.9%
"As businesses across the nation continue to grapple with skills shortages, the survey data shows that they have confidence in the work of ITECA members that deliver quality skills training," Mr Williams said.
ITECA argues that the NCVER data on employer satisfaction is a strong argument for a major reset in government skills training policy and funding priorities.
"Currently, there is a significant push by the government to put 'TAFE at the heart' of the skills training system, which many employers are pushing back against. Instead, ITECA firmly believes in putting students at the heart of the system, where their freedom to choose their preferred training provider is backed by the government," Mr Williams
ITECA emphasises that the data, consistent with results from previous years, accentuates the importance of placing students at the heart of the skills training system. This would enable them to choose between government-funded skills training at an independent RTO or a public TAFE college based on their preferences.
Other NCVER data shows that it is independent skills training providers that support more than 89% of the 4.5 million students in skills training.
Ends
Key Facts:
On all key measures of employer satisfaction with nationally recognised training, NCVER data shows that private RTOs achieve higher levels of employer satisfaction than their public sector counterparts.
NCVER data shows that independent RTOs support more than 89% of the 4.5 million students in skills training across Australia, including the lion's share of students in complex and higher level qualifications.
About us:
ITECA Introduction: Formed in 1992, ITECA is the peak body representing independent providers in the skills training, higher education, and international education sectors.
Contact details:
Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive
e: troy.williams@iteca.edu.au
m: 0400 599 934
