New figures released today reveal an estimated 83.2% of the 1.5 million Australians aged 15 to 19 years were enrolled in some form of education or training as at August 2016.
The report Young people in education and training 2016, compiled from various sources by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), shows that an estimated 57.1% of 15-19 year olds were enrolled in school (of which 14.3% were enrolled in a VET in Schools program), 16.2% were enrolled in higher education, 4.4% were undertaking apprenticeships or traineeships other than via VET in Schools, and 5.5% were enrolled in other vocational education and training (VET) programs.
“As with 2015, over half of school leavers were engaged in education and training at age 19,” said Dr Mette Creaser, National Manager, Statistics and Analytics, NCVER.
“University is still the preferred pathway, followed by vocational education and training.”
Apprentice and trainee commencements for young people in this age group increased by 2.1% in 2016 to 75 800, due in part to a 7.5% increase in non-trade commencements to 37 200.
The report Young people in education and training 2016 brings together information collected by NCVER, the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Australian Government Department of Education and Training to provide data on students enrolled in school, VET and higher education. The full report is available at www.ncver.edu.au/publications.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.
Media enquiries: Helen Wildash, PR and Social Media Officer
P: +61 8 8230 8418 M: 0448 043 148 E: helen.wildash@ncver.edu.au