VET participation up 9.0%

Media release

18 August 2022

In 2021, 4.3 million students were enrolled in nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET), an increase of 9.0% compared with 2020.

The Total VET students and courses 2021 data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that 24% of the Australian resident population aged 15 to 64 years participated in nationally recognised VET in Australia.

“The number of students participating in nationally recognised training has rebounded after a significant decline in 2020,” NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker said.

“Both domestic fee-for-service and government-funded VET recorded an increase in student numbers. Domestic fee-for-service students increased in 2021 by 13.1% compared to 2020, while government-funded students increased by 4.5%. International students, however, decreased by 4.3%.”

“Growth in government-funded student participation was concentrated across Certificate III to Diploma level qualifications. The increase in domestic fee-for-service students by comparison was largely driven by increased enrolments in subjects that were not undertaken as part of a nationally recognised course or qualification, particularly in subjects drawn from the health training package,” explained Mr Walker.

The decrease in international students is due to the reduced pipeline of newly commencing international students as a result of COVID-19 related border restrictions.

Background:

Total VET students and courses 2021 reports the number of students and enrolments in nationally recognised VET on a government-funded or fee-for-service basis, noting many students enrol in more than one type of training.

Download: Total VET students and courses 2021.

Enquiries: Mariane Umali M: 0406 824 184 E: marianeumali@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.