Vocational Education and Training (VET) has long been a driving force in Australia’s workforce development, providing individuals with practical and industry-relevant skills. For Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), offering high-demand vocational education courses can unlock opportunities to increase enrolments and support the evolving needs of learners and industries alike.
By analysing NCVER’s 2023 enrolment data and cross-referencing it with RTOs offering these courses, we’ve identified some of the most in-demand and high-value vocational qualifications in Australia. From technical trades to healthcare, these programs consistently attract strong enrolments—delivering a solid return on investment for RTOs.
Top 15 High-Demand Vocational Educational and Education Courses in Australia in 2025
Below is a snapshot of the most sought-after vocational qualifications in Australia that you may wish to include in your RTO training programs soon:
Why Focus on High-Demand Vocational Qualifications?
Offering high-demand vocational education and training (vet) courses ensures that RTOs remain competitive, relevant, and profitable. Benefits include:
- Stable Enrolment Rates: Popular qualifications attract more students, which supports growth.
- Industry Demand: These qualifications align with workforce needs, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
- Efficient Delivery: Focusing on qualifications with robust supporting resources allows for smoother implementation and compliance.
Let’s explore the data behind Australia’s most subscribed VET courses and the insights they provide.
Top 15 Vocational Qualifications Based on Enrolment Per RTO
Below are high-demand vocational qualifications ranked by their average enrolments per RTO. These statistics highlight the strategic opportunities for RTOs by investing in these programs.
Below are high-demand qualifications ranked by their average enrolments per RTO. These statistics highlight the strategic opportunities for RTOs by investing in these programs.
1. Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820)
- Total Enrolments: 47,070
- RTOs Offering Scope: 61
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 772
This course stands as one of the highest performers, combining steady enrolments with low competition among RTOs. With Australia’s increasing focus on energy infrastructure and green technologies, certified electricians are in high demand.
2. Certificate III in Library and Information Services (BSB30420)
- Total Enrolments: 1,830
- RTOs Offering Scope: 3
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 610
While niche among the VET courses in the list, this qualification boasts a significant average enrolment per RTO. Specialised courses like this exemplify opportunities in areas with limited competition but substantial student interest.
3. Diploma of Nursing (HLT54121)
- Total Enrolments: 26,820
- RTOs Offering Scope: 50
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 536
With a continued demand for healthcare professionals, nursing qualifications remain vital in catering to Australia’s aged care and healthcare sectors. This diploma offers RTOs not just volume but prestige within a high-impact industry.
4. Certificate III in Fitness (SIS30321)
- Total Enrolments: 42,010
- RTOs Offering Scope: 92
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 457
With Australians adopting active lifestyles, fitness certifications continue to flourish. This course attracts young learners aiming to establish careers in personal training, gym management, and health promotion.
5. Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419)
- Total Enrolments: 37,675
- RTOs Offering Scope: 84
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 449
A thriving real estate market combined with mandatory certifications for professionals ensures sustainability for RTOs offering this course. It’s an excellent option for organisations aiming to capture business professionals.
6. Certificate III in Plumbing (CPC32420)
- Total Enrolments: 21,360
- RTOs Offering Scope: 49
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 436
A staple in vocational training, this qualification ensures consistent enrolments given the high demand for licensed plumbers across residential and commercial construction.
7. Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE40122)
- Total Enrolments: 48,450
- RTOs Offering Scope: 119
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 407
Every RTO requires certified trainers, making this VET course a foundational necessity for the sector. Its broad appeal to current and aspiring educators ensures healthy enrolment numbers across Australia.
8. Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Total Enrolment: 6,800
- RTOs Offering Scope: 19
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 358
With increasing environmental regulations and a focus on energy efficiency, the HVAC industry requires certified professionals to install, maintain, and repair refrigeration and air conditioning systems. RTOs offering this course can attract students looking for stable, well-paying careers in a trade with consistent job opportunities and pathways to self-employment or further qualifications.
9. Certificate III in Sport, Aquatics and Recreation
- Total Enrolment: 20,510
- RTOs Offering Scope: 60
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 342
The fitness and recreation industry thrive, driven by increased health awareness and government initiatives promoting physical activity. RTOs can benefit from this trend by catering to students seeking careers in fitness instruction, coaching, or leisure facility management. This ensures a steady stream of enrolments from young adults and career changers.
10. Certificate IV in Finance and Mortgage Broking
- Total Enrolment: 9,600
- RTOs Offering Scope: 30
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 320
With Australia’s housing rental market undergoing a crisis, the demand for home loans has increased, resulting in an increased need for qualified mortgage brokers. RTOs offering this course can tap into a professional market where graduates can quickly secure employment or establish their mortgage broking businesses, making it a lucrative option for students and training providers.
11. Diploma of Interior Design
- Total Enrolment: 6,265
- RTOs Offering Scope: 21
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 298
This diploma gives students the creative and technical skills needed to work in residential, commercial, and retail design. For RTOs, offering this course attracts individuals passionate about design and architecture and professionals looking to upskill in a competitive industry where creativity meets functionality.
12. Diploma of Finance and Mortgage Broking Management
- Total Enrolment: 7,420
- RTOs Offering Scope: 25
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 297
This diploma builds on foundational knowledge for those aspiring to take leadership roles in the finance and mortgage broking sector. Offering this course positions RTOs to support financial professionals looking to advance their careers, establish their firms, or meet regulatory requirements, ensuring strong demand for high-quality training.
13. Certificate IV in Process Manufacturing
- Total Enrolment: 2,220
- RTOs Offering Scope: 8
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 278
Process manufacturing spans food production, pharmaceuticals, and heavy industry, requiring skilled workers to ensure quality control, safety, and efficiency. This VET Australia course is tied to strong industry partnerships and the continuous need for upskilled workers in manufacturing sectors looking to increase productivity.
14. Certificate II in Sport and Recreation
- Total Enrolment: 13,720
- RTOs Offering Scope: 50
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 274
This entry-level qualification is ideal for individuals looking to begin careers in the sports and recreation industry, particularly in community sports programs, school-based activities, and fitness centres. The Australian government is geared towards building a “more active Australia”, which entails more opportunities for sports trainers and increased interest in sports. For RTOs, offering this course helps attract sports enthusiasts and career starters, ensuring a steady intake of students.
15. Certificate III in Blinds, Awnings, Security Screens and Grilles
- Total Enrolment: 270
- RTOs Offering Scope: 1
- Average Enrolment per RTO: 270
This vocational training provides hands-on skills in manufacturing and installation, offering students a pathway to employment or self-employment. RTOs can capitalise on the growing home renovation trend and industry shortages by delivering this course to meet market demand.
Insights for RTOs
The data underlines several key takeaways for Registered Training Organisations aiming to expand their offerings strategically:
- Specialised Niches Offer Remarkable ROI: Smaller courses such as the Certificate III in Library and Information Services demonstrate opportunities for high enrolment figures within low-competition markets.
- Trades and Technological Skills Dominate Demand: Programs like Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician and Diploma of Nursing address skills shortages across critical industries.
- Cross-Sector Appeal: Courses such as the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment cater to a wide demographic, ensuring steady enrolments over time.
How to Leverage High-Demand Vocational Education and Training (VET) Courses
If you’re ready to seize the benefits of high-demand vocational education courses, here’s how you can prepare:
- Align Your Course Scope with Market Demand
Use the metrics for enrolment per RTO to determine profitable qualifications that suit your RTO. - Invest in High-Quality Training Resources
Ensure your materials for these courses meet compliance and deliver an engaging learner experience. - Market Strategically
Highlight the career opportunities your courses lead to, appealing to students’ aspirations. - Offer Flexible Delivery Models
Combine online and in-person delivery to cater to diverse learning needs.
Drive Growth with High-Demand Vocational Education Courses
Offering high-demand vocational education and training courses provides a competitive advantage in Australia’s thriving VET sector. By focusing on qualifications with consistent enrolments and aligning your RTO’s scope with market trends, you’ll be better positioned to attract learners and meet workforce needs.
Want to discuss how these vocational qualifications can transform your business? Contact our team today to explore tailored resources and solutions for your RTO. Together, we’ll ensure you remain at the forefront of vocational training excellence.
