For some years now, governments have been talking about Certificates II or III as a vocational equivalent of Year 12.
However, new research released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) finds that the Certificates do not measure up as an equivalent to Year 12.
Dr Tom Karmel, Managing Director, NCVER, said in terms of the amount of time it takes to complete a qualification, the Certificate III is a possible contender for Year 12 equivalence, but its complexity and outcomes are quite different.
“Vocational pathways should be considered an alternative to school completion rather than a literal equivalent,” Dr Karmel said.
“But if a ‘vocational equivalent’ to Year 12 is required for policy purposes, then it should be at the Certificate III level at the very least.”
In determining the ‘equivalence’ of qualifications, the authors looked at the complexity of subjects, expected learning outcomes of various courses, and employment and further study outcomes of graduates as well as the time it takes to complete various qualifications.
Dr Karmel said it is important that young people who are not academically inclined have an alternative to completing Year 12, but it should be at least at the Certificate III level.
For those wanting to go on to further study at the diploma level or above, then there really is no pathway equivalent to completing Year 12.
Copies of The vocational equivalent to Year 12 by Patrick Lim and Tom Karmel, NCVER are available from http://www.lsay.edu.au/publications/2416.html
Media enquiries: Jessica Justin, Marketing Officer or Colleen Young, Manager, Marketing Services 08 8230 8400