The number of people likely to complete publicly funded training shows signs of steadily increasing, up from 28.9% for people who started training in 2008 to 35.5% for those who started in 2011.
The data, published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), is based on statistical techniques used to estimate completion rates.
Of all VET students who enrolled in 2011, those most likely to complete their qualifications are young people (aged 25 years and under) with no prior post-school qualifications who are studying full-time at a certificate III qualification (56.2%).
Of students of all ages, those enrolled in diploma level (43.6%), certificate IV (41.6%) and certificate III (40.9%) qualifications are also more likely to complete their vocational qualifications.
The field of study a student chooses also plays a role, with completion rates highest in education (58.8%), society and culture (48.5%) and natural and physical sciences (43.8%).
These statistics are for all of publicly funded VET, including those students studying as part of their apprenticeship or traineeship. Completion rates for apprentices and trainees are released separately by NCVER.
Copies of Australian vocational education and training statistics: the likelihood of completing a VET qualification 2008-11 are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2647.html
Copies of Australian vocational education and training statistics: completion and attrition rates for apprentices and trainees 2012 are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2632.html
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