Training reforms can lead to substantial increases in vocational education and training (VET) enrolments, according to a study published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER).
The research, undertaken by the Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, investigated the impacts of the first round of Victorian demand-driven reforms from 2009 to 2011, referred to as the Victoria Training Guarantee (VTG).
Between 2008 (pre-reform) and 2011 (post-reform), the VTG is estimated to have led to a 35% growth in enrolments, with much of it in private providers. This increase outstripped growth in enrolments reported in other states and territories over the same period. The growth, however, was not uniform.
“With other states and territories considering and implementing similar reforms, this work is timely,” said Rod Camm, Managing Director, NCVER.
“It shows that while overall more people enrolled in training, the rise was mixed across learner groups. The effect of the VTG on enrolments for students from non-English speaking backgrounds and those who have a disability were less marked, while for Indigenous students there was no discernable impact.
“In terms of outcomes for learners of different ages, the results are mixed, with young people getting the most immediate benefit”.
Mr Camm said for 15-19 year olds, the VTG improved both the likelihood of being in a full-time job six months after training and of being satisfied with their course. The outcomes for 20-24 year olds, for whom there was an upskilling requirement, were not as positive.
“This outcome suggests that the upskilling requirements of the VTG may potentially need more consideration as it did not support retraining in a different occupation”.
Copies of Early impacts of the Victorian Training Guarantee on VET enrolments and graduate outcomes are available from www.ncver.edu.au/publications/2724.
This research was managed by NCVER and funded through the National VET Research Program by the Australian Government and state and territory governments, through the Department of Industry.
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