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The main purpose of this study was to gather information from young people about their vocational and technical education (VTE) experiences and also from their parents about their perceptions of their children's VTE experiences. This information was collected via a random telephone survey of young Australians aged 15 to 19 years and their parents/guardians which was developed and conducted in-house by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training. This report provides information and analysis on: the characteristics of survey respondents; the availability of VTE training being offered at schools and the patterns of VTE participation by students; the perceptions of young people and parents regarding VTE participation and the triggers that might lead to this participation; the types and sources of information required and used by young people in deciding to participate in VTE; the educational and employment outcomes are expected by young people and their parents; and the key influences of young people's study and career decisions. The study found that all respondents regarded the young people themselves as the most significant influence on study and career path decisions, ahead of parents and teachers. Future job opportunities was reported by 80% of students and non students, and by 78% of parents as the most common trigger to VTE participation. Other important triggers were a recognised qualification, and interesting subjects. However a lower proportion of respondents reported parents' wishes as an important trigger to VTE participation. The proportion of young people who viewed convenient locations, other career paths and flexible study as important triggers to VTE participation was higher in remote areas than in major cities respectively. The proportion of parents who viewed New Apprenticeship opportunity as an important trigger to VTE participation was higher in remote and regional areas than in major cities. The proportion of students who participated in VTE at school and who viewed New Apprenticeship opportunity as an important trigger to VTE participation was higher than those who did not participate in VTE at school.