New research released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) offers practical insights into how training providers can better support their students to successfully complete their training.
The report, Student support: enabling the learner journey, identifies six key elements for student success, based on case studies of registered training organisations with high completion rates and student satisfaction scores.
NCVER Managing Director John King said, ‘This research shows that a comprehensive and sustained approach to student support is crucial to improving VET outcomes. By supporting students from pre-enrolment right through to graduation, training providers can help more of their students complete training and succeed in the workforce.’
The six elements identified in the report are:
- a whole-of-institution approach
- early engagement with students and relevant stakeholders
- high-quality training delivered by caring experts
- continuity of support throughout the learner journey
- holistic and individualised support
- strong relationship-building.
Leading providers implement these elements in ways tailored to their operating environment and student cohorts, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of effective support strategies.
The research highlights the importance of targeted support for priority groups, including First Nations students, culturally and linguistically diverse students, and students with disabilities. These groups benefit from early engagement, culturally safe learning environments, and personalised and holistic support.
The research also identifies several challenges to providing effective student support, including internal factors (such as staff shortages and funding constraints), student-related factors (such as behavioural barriers, learner capability and mindset), and external factors (such as unsupportive workplaces).
NCVER has developed a good practice guide to help training providers implement effective approaches to enhance student support and improve student outcomes.
The full report and accompanying resources are available on the NCVER website.
Background:
The research examined how registered training organisations (RTOs) can better support students throughout their learner journey to help them succeed. It explores the key characteristics of effective student support, the points at which support needs are identified and delivered, and the barriers that both students and RTOs face in accessing and providing support. It is based on case studies of RTOs with high qualification completion rates and/or high student satisfaction with student support services.
Download the report: Student support: enabling the learner journey
Related resources:
- Good Practice Guide: Effective student support: enabling the learner journey
- Support document: Student support: enabling the learner journey
Enquiries: Chantal Deutrom P: +61 8 8230 8418 E: chantaldeutrom@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
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 Employment and Workplace Relations.