The latest official data shows that the growth of skills training programs in secondary schools was underpinned by independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). This reinforces the role of the independent skills training system in helping students transition to further vocational training or a career, according to the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.
"The VET in School initiative allows students to undertake skills training while still in school to help put them on their career pathway, developing skills through nationally recognised training or an accredited course," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
The recent data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) shows that of the 252,105 students undertaking a VET in Schools program in 2023, 109,705 were supported by independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). That's 43.5% of all VET in Schools students and the largest cohort with any provider type, such as public TAFE colleges.
"The data shows that it's been independent RTOs that have underpinned the growth in the VET in schools programs, highlighting their reputation for delivering the programs valued by both employers and students," said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
Of interest is that in 2019, independent RTOs supported 35.5% of VET in Schools students nationwide; in 2023, it was 43.5%; an increase of 8% — the only provider type to have demonstrated such an increase in support. Compared to 2019, in 2023, there were 26,065 more students supported by an independent provider nationally.
"The number of students supported by an independent provider in undertaking a VET in Schools program has increased every year between 2019-2023, and it is of note that this is the only provider type where this is the case," Mr Williams said.
According to ITECA, the great work of the independent RTOs that supports students shows why government policy must be student-focussed.
"We want to put students at the heart of a high-performing skills training system, one that's underpinned by independent RTOs," Mr Williams said.
