News & Events
The role of higher-level VET diplomas
10 February 2009
With declining numbers of students completing vocational diplomas and employers' fickle attitude to hiring these graduates, a new paper examines the role of higher-level VET qualifications.
The paper, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), set out to examine the supply and demand for diplomas.
Tom Karmel, Managing Director, NCVER and author of the paper said the analysis was undertaken following projections of significant shortfalls in skilled people for associate professional jobs and attempts to increase the uptake for higher-level VET qualifications.
"There are clear returns for people with diploma and advance diploma qualifications, particularly in industries where jobs mandate these qualifications, such as health," says Dr Tom Karmel.
"But, the overall picture is mixed. On average, these graduates fare better in the labour market than those with lower-level qualifications. However, they face stiff competition from university graduates or those with experience.
"And, many students do not use these qualifications for gaining jobs at the associate professional and professional areas.
"Many young people use diplomas as a stepping stone to obtaining degrees and older workers use them to improve their level of skills for their current jobs.
"This led us to pose the question about the role of VET diplomas.
"In looking forward, the challenge is to ensure the position of these higher-level VET qualifications is consolidated.
"Building up articulation arrangements with degrees where appropriate is important, as is improving the attractiveness of diplomas and advanced diplomas in the eyes of employers."
For a copy of What has been happening to vocational education and training diplomas and advanced diplomas? visit: http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2090.html
Media enquiries:
Jessica Justin, Marketing Officer or Colleen Young, Marketing Manager, NCVER on +61 8 8230 8400
