New data estimates that 47% of vocational education and training (VET) programs started in 2016 at certificate I or above will be completed, according to data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
The report VET program completion rates 2016 uses the most recent NCVER data to estimate completion rates for total VET programs commencing in 2015 and 2016, and for government-funded VET programs commencing between 2012 and 2016.
The publication presents projected rates of completion for the most recent two years for total VET programs. For government-funded VET programs, projected rates of completion are presented for the most recent 3 years and observed actual rates of completion for prior years.
"Before now, data on completion rates were only available for government-funded programs," said Dr Mette Creaser, Interim Managing Director, NCVER.
"With NCVER’s collection of more comprehensive training data, known as total VET activity, it is now possible to project completion rates for all VET programs."
For total VET programs started in 2016, the report shows that, by training provider type, programs delivered in schools (54%), enterprise providers (52%) and universities (49%) have the highest national estimated projected program completion rates.
By funding source, fee-for-service programs undertaken by international students have the highest estimated projected completion rates (70%) for total VET programs followed by Commonwealth and state funded programs (50%) and fee-for-service programs undertaken by domestic students (39%).
Projected total VET program completion rates by field of education are the highest for natural and physical sciences (64%) and lowest for architecture and building (33%).
For government-funded VET programs started in 2016, the national projected program completion rate is 49%.
Australian VET statistics: VET program completion rates 2016 is now available from: www.ncver.edu.au/publications.
For more in-depth information on VET program completion rates, visit https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/data/all-data/vet-program-completion-rates-2016-data-slicer to view a new interactive data product.
For more about how total VET program completion rates are calculated, read the technical paper: https://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/publications/all-publications/total-vet-program-completion-rates
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Education and Training.
Media enquiries: Helen Wildash, PR and Social Media Officer
P: +61 8 8230 8418 M: 0448 043 148 E: communications@ncver.edu.au