New research by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) examines Indigenous vocational education and training (VET) participation and employment outcomes over the past decade.
It finds VET is a preferred post-school learning pathway for Indigenous students, with figures showing a steady increase over 2005 to 2015 in Indigenous students’ participation in higher level qualifications (certificate III and above).
“This shift is a positive sign, as we know from existing research that employment rates are higher for those who gain a certificate III or higher, showing VET is a key component to closing the gap in employment disparity,” said Jodieann Dawe, National Manager Research and Engagement, NCVER.
Survey evidence shows employment outcomes are particularly sound for Indigenous trade and non-trade apprentices who complete their training. Indeed Indigenous trade apprentices who were not employed before training (and are mostly males) are more likely to be employed after training than their non-Indigenous counterparts.
A challenge is lifting training completion rates for Indigenous students across all programs of study, including apprenticeships, as rates remain lower than those of non-Indigenous students. This limits options for Indigenous students in further and higher study and employment.
Indigenous students living in remote and very remote regions need support to increase their uptake of higher level qualifications and improve program completion and employment rates, all which are lower than other areas.
The report, Indigenous VET participation, completion and outcomes: change over the past decade, is available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/publications/all-publications/indigenous-vet-participation-completion-and-outcomes-change-over-the-past-decade; the related infographic is available from www.ncver.edu.au/data/data/infographics/indigenous-vet-participation-completion-and-employment-outcomes-infographic.
Further research exploring VET training, retention and employability in remote Indigenous communities will be released in the coming weeks.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Department of Education and Training.
Media enquiries: Deanne Loan, T: 08 8230 8496, M: 0413 523 691