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This paper examines some large and unusual movements for data in the 2007 VET (vocational education and training) Provider Collection by comparison with 2006. A close examination of the divergences between students, enrolments and hours has not revealed anything too untoward in general. Changes in the patterns of courses undertaken explain most of the divergence. However, the exception is South Australia in which quite remarkable growth in enrolments has been observed. This growth can be tracked to a relatively small number of areas, with increased enrolments per student in certificates I and II in mixed field programs contributing 5.0 percentage points to the overall growth in enrolments. This implies that enrolments may be a poor indicator of training activity for South Australia. It is also concluded that there is nothing to suggest that ‘hours creep’, with new modules having greater hours than old hours, is occurring. Show less

Vocational education and training (VET) is very important for young people in South Australia. This paper seeks to establish how important. The paper focuses on two broad groups: (1) those who complete 12 years of schooling and then continue their education in VET; and (2) those who choose an alternative pathway and leave school before year 12 but continue their education in VET. As well as describing the VET activities of these students, the year 12 retention rate education indicator is scrutinised. This indicator has been commonly used to measure the success of a school system in providing young people with a sound educational foundation. Apart from the statistical issues surrounding this measure, it fails to recognise that VET provides an alternative pathway. It is not argued that mere attendance at VET provides an equivalent education to the completion of year 12, however it is argued that completion of a certificate III or better is certainly equivalent to completing year 12. If the number of a cohort that leaves school and subsequently studies for such a qualification could be added to the year 12 retention it would provide an arguably better based indicator of educational achievement. The proportion completing a certificate III or higher qualification, having not completed year 12 is estimated. A further dimension explored is the importance of VET for young people across regions. Considerable comment has been made about poor educational outcomes in some regions of South Australia and it is hoped that the data presented here will assist in an understanding of the issue. The paper is presented in three sections. First, young people in VET are described: what they are doing, what their educational backgrounds are and what they achieve after leaving VET. The second section focuses on indicators, particularly a proposed 'equivalent' year 12 retention rate. Finally, the regional dimension is considered. It should be noted that the analysis only takes account of those students enrolled in the publicly funded sector. Students who pay fees at private providers are not included in the data. Show less