A national report on the enrolment levels for vocational education and training (VET) has found NSW to be leading the nation in attracting new students, including those with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds.
The report, from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), said NSW was the only State in Australia to see an increase in VET enrolments, as well as an increase in VET student participation in regional and remote areas.
Minister for Skills and Tertiary Education, Geoff Lee said he was pleased the report showed that more people in NSW recognised vocational education and training as a solid pathway towards a meaningful career.
“Greater participation in vocational education and training means a more highly skilled workforce,” Mr Lee said.
The report also found that VET enrolment was up from last year by 9,900 students; that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in NSW represented 43.5 per cent of the 79,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students nationally; and that NSW had the highest number of students with a disability.
Mr Lee said $71 million had been allocated for use over the next four years for 100,000 free courses through TAFE and VET.
The NCVER’s 25-page research report can be accessed at this PS News link.
