New report demonstrates positive outcomes for VET students

Everyone has an interest in knowing how the vocational education and training (VET) system is contributing to economic, employment and social outcomes in Australia.  

For students, there’s a substantial commitment of time and resources when you take on study. Meanwhile, industries across the country are reliant on the VET system to provide a flow of qualified skilled workers, and Australian Governments contribute around $4.5 billion each year supporting the system.  

Jobs and Skills Australia’s new report, VET Students Outcomes – Top 100 Courses, released on 16 November 2023, tracks VET student outcomes for the top 100 courses (by completion) and demonstrates that completing a VET course has the potential to change lives for the better. 

At the national level 82.7% of students were employed after completing VET training in the 2018-19 financial year, which was an increase of 12.4 percentage points. 

For many students, the completion of a VET qualification has the transformative financial impact, with a median employee income uplift of more than $10,000 for graduates, representing a step towards financial security.  

The report also highlighted that many students continued their journey of lifelong learning, with 15.7% of graduates undertaking further VET education or training in 2018-19 and 6.7% enrolled in higher education opportunities.  

Developed in collaboration with the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), this innovative new data set (titled the VET National Data Asset or VNDA) will assist Jobs and Skills Australia to provide advice on the adequacy of the Australian VET system, unlocking new insights and analysis possibilities.  

It draws from a detailed analysis of the employment, economic, social, and further study outcomes for VET students’ who completed a qualification in the 2018-19 financial year. Excitingly, VNDA will provide a consistent evidence base to measure sector outcomes, now and into the future.  

Find out more about VNDA and VET student outcomes on our website https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/news/new-report-demonstrates-positive-outcomes-vet-students 

Quotes attributable to Mr David Turvey, Acting Commissioner Jobs and Skills Australia: 

“VNDA and the VET Students Outcomes – Top 100 Courses report showcase the transformative potential of VET and the lifelong benefits it can have for our economy, community, students and typically excluded cohorts.” 

“The evidence provided in this report underscores that VET changes lives through education and employment outcomes. Our report, VET Students Outcomes – Top 100 Courses, highlights the pivotal role VET has in shaping a healthy community and robust future workforce.”  

“With this innovative new data, we can show that VET is not just about learning and skills; it's about changing lives. For students and graduates, VET unlocks doors to employment, and paves the way for continuous learning, professional growth, and development.” 

“Our VET Students Outcomes – Top 100 Courses report gives policy and decision makers valuable insights into shaping a more inclusive and prosperous future for Australia.”   

“There is a lot of good news in this report for those who have historically experienced exclusion from the workforce.”