VERTO Chief Executive Officer, Ron Maxwell, has expressed concern at findings released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) showing more young people are choosing higher education rather than vocational education and training (VET) career pathways.
Mr Maxwell said NCVER’s Young people in education and training 2013 report showed the need for both the Australian and New South Wales Governments (along with VET providers) to continue to work hard to promote the benefits of the VET sector, particularly to young people.
"Today’s findings show 55.4 per cent of 15 to 19 year olds are at school; 15.6 per cent are in higher education; 5.1 per cent are undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship; and 5.3 per cent are enrolled in publicly funded VET programs,” Mr Maxwell said.
“As a provider of both Australian Apprenticeship services and accredited training, these figures are particularly concerning to us," Mr Maxwell said.
"While we are pleased enrolments in Certificate III courses increased by 12.7 per cent, Australian Apprenticeship sign ups decreased by 20.7 per cent last year.
“This is alarming given our need to have a skilled and formally qualified workforce that can adequately meet a range of industry needs across Australia.
“Trades are a viable career pathway that more young people should contemplate when considering their future.
“Part of the solution is providing more information to students when they are at school at the same time information on higher education options is provided.
“As an Australian Apprenticeships services provider, and a selected provider of the NSW Government’s Smart and Skilled program, we will continue to work hard to promote the many benefits of VET career pathways across our footprint,” Mr Maxwell said.
