Factors which encourage course completions by Aboriginal people: an Indigenous perspective

TAFE NSW's Western Institute is known among other educational providers for its successful enrolment of Aboriginal students. During 2011 the number of enrolments exceeded 7000, which is the largest enrolment of Aboriginal students in any TAFE (technical and further education) institute in Australia. Although the scale of enrolments is pleasing, the completion rates for Aboriginal students do not match those of non-Aboriginal people. This research aims to understand why Aboriginal students generally do not complete courses. The initiative is significant as it is the first time an Aboriginal researcher has carried out this type of research in an Aboriginal cultural way. If the truth from past Aboriginal students is not told - and crucially told with their voices - we will not progress toward what we hope to achieve, which is to have many more Aboriginal vocational education and training (VET) students complete their studies by assisting TAFE teachers to offer culturally competent delivery to Aboriginal students across the VET sector. This paper aims to present an Indigenous perspective on completions.

Edited excerpts from publication.

TAFE NSW's Western Institute is known among other educational providers for its successful enrolment of Aboriginal students. During 2011 the number of enrolments exceeded 7000, which is the largest enrolment of Aboriginal students in any TAFE (technical and further education) institute in Australia. Although the scale of enrolments is pleasing, the completion rates for Aboriginal students do not match those of non-Aboriginal people. This research aims to understand why Aboriginal students generally do not complete courses. The initiative is significant as it is the first time an ...  [+] Show more