What do the statistics in the NCVER “VET in Schools 2022” report tell us?
As we stare at the Xmas tinsel of 2023, it’s time to look back at some of the statistics that were published by NCVER in July this year. These will illuminate where we've been and also guide us toward charting a VETIS course for 2024 and onwards through some targeted questions.
In 2022, Australia welcomed 242,945 VET in Schools students. This represents a modest decrease of 3.3% from the previous year. Perhaps a ripple from the COVID wave?
WHY THE VAST DIFFERENCES BETWEEN STATES?
Queensland, with its 95,320 VET in Schools students, stood as a testament to regional dynamics holding 39.2% of the student population. The Northern Territory's impressive surge of 21.9% beckons us to explore the catalysts behind this enthusiasm even though the actual enrolment numbers are low.
What local initiatives spurred such engagement, and can these be replicated in other states?
Our most populated states of NSW and Victoria had only 46,375 and 52,350 students respectively. Do they place less importance on VET in schools and prioritise elsewhere? Are residents of these states disadvantaged in any way from accessing VET while they are at school? What sets Queensland apart as the primary hub for VET in Schools? Are there regional strategies that other states could adopt or even share?
SCHOOL ENGAGEMENT
Government schools held the lion's share, with 60.5% of students opting for VET in these institutions. Private training providers attracted 38.6% and schools themselves offering VET accounted for 28.8% of enrolments. TAFE despite being a significantly resourced public institution, only attracted 15.3%. This invites contemplation on the factors steering students towards private training organisations and can perhaps be answered in the NCVER VET qualification completion rates increase.
QUALIFICATION LEVELS
Certificate II level qualifications were most in demand with 57.3% of enrolments, followed by Certificate III at 32.6%. The completion rates mirrored these trends, with 60.4% of students completing their Certificate II.
Why do almost 40% of students fail to complete their VET qualification at School? What factors for this high attrition are within a training providers’ capacity to address? What factors could be systemically improved?
It will be interesting to see the 2023 statistics when they come out next year. I predict that the slight decrease in numbers from 2021 and 2022 will be replaced by significant increases. It’s up to the VET community to reinvigorate interest and commitment to VET in Schools and work towards an informed, responsive, and impactful educational journey.
See the full report at - https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/publications/all-publications/vet-in-schools-2022