NCVER - Analysis of private returns to vocational education and training

Item:: 2221
Title:: Analysis of private returns to vocational education and training
Authors:: Wang-Sheng Lee, Michael Coelli
Publication date:: 19 March 2010
Type:: Research report
Themes:: Students and individuals > Student achievements and outcomes > General
: VET in context > Economic aspects of VET > Demand for VET
ISBN:: 978 1 921413 60 5 print; 978 1 921413 59 9 web

Increasing the number of people with vocational qualifications at the certificate III level or higher was one of the targets set by the Council of Australian Governments in late 2008 as a way of increasing the skill levels of the Australian population. But why enrol in vocational education and training (VET)? This study looks at the employment and earning benefits for individuals in completing a VET course and how these benefits may change over time. Compared with those who have completed Year 12, employment and earnings benefits are only gained from completing a VET course at the diploma level. However, compared with individuals who do not complete Year 12, such benefits can be gained from completing a VET qualification at any level.