Key Takeaways:
- VET participation grew by 5.8% in 2024, with 266,765 students completing school-based vocational education and training, showing rising engagement among secondary learners.
- Training package qualifications in hospitality, business, construction, and community services continue to lead enrolments, reflecting student interest in career-ready skills.
- School-based apprenticeships and traineeships increased by 11.4%, proving that hands-on learning remains a powerful tool for building student confidence and employability.
- Certificate II and III qualifications dominate enrolments, supporting foundational and intermediate learning pathways that prepare students for further training or entry-level work.
- Government support remains strong, enabling more Indigenous students, learners with disabilities, and regional participants to complete VET qualifications successfully.
For today’s students, career success begins well before graduation. The latest NCVER’s VET in Schools 2024 report from NCVER highlights the growing role of vocational education and training (VET) in shaping the learning experiences of secondary school students. In 2024, 266,765 students across Australia were enrolled in school-based VET programs — a 5.8% increase from 2023.
This means nearly 28% of Australia’s school-aged learners are now completing VET qualifications as part of their secondary education, developing practical skills and gaining confidence to transition into employment or further study.
This blog explores NCVER’s 2024 findings through the lens of student achievement, focusing on how training package qualifications are supporting engagement, equity, and lifelong learning for Australian students.
How VET Builds Confidence and Career Direction
One of the most powerful aspects of vocational education and training is its ability to make learning meaningful. For many school students, traditional pathways can feel disconnected from the workplace. VET bridges that gap by helping learners apply knowledge in practical, real-world contexts.
The 2024 report highlights that:
- Over 39% of all school-based VET students were based in Queensland, where strong industry partnerships support applied learning.
- Private RTOs trained 109,495 students, marking a 10.4% increase from 2023 and showing how flexible providers are helping more learners access quality VET qualifications.
- VET is now being delivered across almost every education sector, giving students nationwide the opportunity to pursue career-focused education.
These findings show that school-based VET is more than a learning option. It’s a confidence-building pathway that gives students tangible goals and exposure to career opportunities before they leave school.
Top VET Qualifications Guiding Student Success
The NCVER data shows that training package qualifications remain the cornerstone of school-based VET delivery, giving students structured learning that directly links to career outcomes. In 2024, the top VET qualifications chosen by students were:
- Tourism, Travel and Hospitality: 15.5% of enrolments
- Sport, Fitness and Recreation: 13.8%
- Business Services: 11.5%
- Construction, Plumbing and Services: 7.1%
- Community Services: 6.7%
Each of these areas provides a foundation for continued study or entry-level employment. For example:
- Tourism and hospitality open doors to customer service and event management roles.
- Business services support transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and digital literacy.
- Construction and community services help students develop technical and interpersonal competencies critical to Australia’s infrastructure and social sectors.
These programs prove that vocational education and training is not just preparing students for jobs but also preparing them for adaptable, future-focused careers.
School-Based Apprenticeships: Learning Through Experience
Hands-on learning remains at the heart of VET’s success. In 2024, 21,515 students took part in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, an 11.4% increase from the previous year. These learners split their time between school and the workplace, earning nationally recognised VET qualifications while developing confidence and experience in their chosen fields.
The most common training package qualifications among apprentices included:
- Business Services (16.1%)
- Tourism, Travel and Hospitality (12.7%)
- Community Services (11.9%)
- Construction, Plumbing and Services (CPC) Training Package (10.5%)
- Automotive Retail, Service and Repair (AUR) Training Package (9.3%)
For many students, these programs offer a sense of purpose, transforming classroom theory into tangible, real-world achievement. They also provide early exposure to teamwork, responsibility, and problem-solving, giving learners a head start as they prepare for post-school pathways.
Qualification Levels and Learner Progression
The report also provides a clear view of how students are progressing through the levels of vocational education and training. The majority of students begin with entry-level qualifications and advance as their confidence and capabilities grow. Here’s a breakdown of enrolments per qualification level:
- Certificate I: 26,225 enrolments (6.6%)
- Certificate II: 225,470 enrolments (57.1%)
- Certificate III: 129,695 enrolments (32.8%)
- Certificate IV: 6,685 enrolments (1.7%)
- Diploma or Higher: 7,000 enrolments (1.8%)
This progression shows how VET qualifications support a structured pathway for learning. Students develop foundational competencies, then move into specialised or technical areas through higher-level study or apprenticeships.
Supporting Access, Equity, and Inclusion
NCVER’s 2024 findings highlight the growing inclusivity of vocational education and training across Australia. Government support remains central to ensuring every learner has access to the right opportunities — regardless of location or background.
Key outcomes from 2024 include:
- 98.9% of apprentices and trainees received government funding.
- 16,075 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students were enrolled in VET programs — a 17.9% increase from 2023.
- 7,985 students with disability participated in school-based VET programs.
These results reinforce how VET provides a platform for equitable participation. By accommodating diverse learning needs and offering multiple pathways, training package qualifications ensure that every student can experience success and progression.
The Role of RTOs in Student Achievement
For RTOs, the report underscores the value of delivering engaging, student-centred training that supports both learning outcomes and employability. As demand for vocational pathways increases, RTOs can maximise their impact by:
- Adapting delivery to student needs. Use flexible formats and contextualised resources to make VET qualifications more accessible to school-aged learners.
- Collaborating with educators. Partner with schools to align programs with local industry needs and create clear transitions between study and work.
- Integrating real-world learning. Incorporate workplace simulations, practical projects, and interactive materials to boost engagement and retention.
- Maintaining strong quality assurance. Ensure all RTO materials for training package qualifications are validated and mapped to support compliance and continuous improvement.
By focusing on learner success, RTOs play a crucial role in helping students develop both the technical and soft skills needed to thrive in a competitive workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can teachers make VET delivery more engaging for school-aged learners?
Educators can use blended learning strategies that mix digital modules, simulations, and group-based projects to make vocational education and training more interactive. Story-based learning, workplace roleplays, and real-world case studies also help students see the relevance of what they’re learning.
What support do students need when completing VET qualifications in school
Younger learners often need more structured support. Trainers can provide regular feedback, one-on-one check-ins, and clear guidance on assessment expectations. Using contextualised examples from familiar workplaces helps students link theory to practice in training package qualifications.
How does completing a VET qualification during school affect post-graduation outcomes?
Students who complete VET qualifications during secondary school are more likely to transition smoothly into apprenticeships, further VET study, or employment. NCVER data from recent years shows that early exposure to hands-on learning improves both job readiness and retention in post-school training.
What role does e-Learning play in supporting VET delivery for students?
Digital tools are increasingly vital for delivering vocational education and training. e-Learning modules, interactive assessments, and virtual simulations allow students to learn flexibly, particularly in regional areas. These digital formats also cater to diverse learning styles, improving engagement and comprehension.
How can RTOs ensure quality and compliance while working with schools?
RTOs delivering training package qualifications to secondary students should maintain transparent communication with schools and ensure trainers hold both vocational and teaching credentials. Consistent validation, moderation, and mapping processes help maintain compliance and safeguard the quality of training outcomes.
Conclusion
The 2024 VET in Schools report confirms that vocational education and training is helping students build the confidence, skills, and experience to succeed beyond the classroom. With growing enrolments, inclusive pathways, and industry-aligned programs, VET qualifications are shaping the next generation of adaptable, capable, and motivated learners.
As more schools embrace hands-on learning, RTOs and educators have the opportunity to collaborate on innovative, learner-focused training solutions that prepare students not just for their first job but also for a lifetime of career growth.
