The Productivity Commission’s (PC) latest report on Government services (RoGS) has found the ACT to have the highest participation in early childhood education and vocational education and training (VET) across the country.
Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry welcomed the PC’s findings saying they showed the Territory had the highest percentage of children aged zero to five attending an Australian Government approved early childhood service – 56.6 per cent in 2020 compared with the national average of 44 per cent.
“Well established research has shown that the period from birth through to eight years—especially the first three years—sets the foundation for every child’s social, physical, emotional and cognitive development,” Ms Berry said.
Minister for Skills, Chris Steel said the Report also showed the ACT had the highest proportion of Government-funded VET students participating in courses at Certificate III, Diploma level or above.
Mr Steel said 91.1 per cent of all Government-funded VET graduates were employed and/or continued on to further study after completing a course.
“This is a fantastic outcome and compares favourably with the national average of 84.4 per cent,” Mr Steel said.
“The ACT also had the highest proportion (91 per cent) of Government-funded Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander VET graduates who were employed and/or enrolled in further study after they completed their training,” he said.
“This is markedly higher than the national average of 81.7 per cent.”
Mr Steel said 85.7 per cent of Government-funded ACT VET graduates with a disability were in employment and/or in further study after completing a course, also higher than the national average of 73.4 per cent.
“Importantly, 86.8 per cent of ACT employers were satisfied with the VET provided to their employees, again this was above the national rate of 77.6 per cent,” the Minister said.
