The latest research from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has found that vocational education and training (VET) increases chances of achieving sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
From VET to sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who commenced a VET program in 2016 were at least 19% more likely to achieve sustainable employment than those who did not commence a VET program.
Those who partially completed a VET program still had an increased chance of sustainable employment compared with those who did not commence a VET program. There are many reasons why a student might not complete their training, including gaining employment during their VET program.
Students who were enrolled in Certificate IV qualifications were 100% more likely to achieve sustainable employment than those who were enrolled in Certificate II or Certificate III qualifications.
Some demographics in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student population were less likely to achieve sustainable employment than others. Students aged between 20 and 44 years made up more than half of VET commencements (56%) in 2016, however, they were less likely to achieve sustainable employment than those aged 15 to 19 years.
NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker said, “This research shows that participation in VET increases the likelihood of sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people”.
“Amongst a range of indicators, the research also reveals a high correlation between the socio-economic backgrounds of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their employment outcomes, confirming the influence of additional social, institutional and economic barriers, which fall outside an individual’s control”.
Background:
From VET to sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples examines the contribution of vocational education and training (VET) participation to sustainable employment for this cohort of the Australian population.
Download the report: From VET to sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Related documents:
- Support document: From VET to sustainable employment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples: support document.
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.