The latest data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that the number of students undertaking vocational education and training (VET) as part of secondary education has decreased in the past year.
In 2022, there were 242 945 VET in Schools students, a 3.3% decline from 2021. Of those students, 8.5% (or 20 765) participated in a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, and 91.5% (or 222 180) in other VET in Schools programs.
Certificate II programs continue to be the most popular qualification, with 57.3% of enrolments (or 203 580) at this level. However, the numbers have decreased by 12.1% since 2012.
NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker said, “Although Certificate II programs continue to have the highest uptake, we have seen a significant increase in Certificate III enrolments over the past decade, up 69.7% from 68 250 in 2012 to 115 800 in 2022. Further, we have observed a 74.1% decrease in Certificate I enrolments over the same period.”
The most popular training package was Tourism, travel and hospitality, which made up 15.7% of all VET in Schools program enrolments. It was closely followed by Sport, fitness and recreation at 12.9%.
Over the last year there has also been a notable decline in the number of program enrolments in Foundation Skills, with a decline of 38.5%.
Background:
VET in Schools 2022 provides data on VET undertaken by school students as part of their senior secondary certificate of education (SSCE), where the training is nationally recognised or delivered by schools or other training providers.
Download the report: VET in Schools 2022
Enquiries: Chantal Deutrom P: +61 8 8230 8418 E: chantaldeutrom@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
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 Employment and Workplace Relations.