Australian Qualifications Framework lower-level qualifications: outcomes for people over 25

This report investigates where lower-level qualifications (certificates I and II) lead people in the prime-aged group (25-44) and the mature-aged group (45 years and over). These qualifications provide basic skills that can lead to employment-related outcomes, or they can be used as pathways to further study; they can also provide preparatory skills (for example, job searching skills) which may lead to employment or further study at a later time. Throughout the report, outcomes are analysed for both graduates (full-course completers) and nongraduates (subjects-only completers), for both certificate I and II level programs. Outcomes were also analysed for students who had enrolled in preparatory courses at certificate levels I and II. Where relevant, outcomes from certificate III courses are used to provide comparative 'benchmark' data, as this qualification level is considered to be the core of the vocational education and training (VET) system. Overall, the study found that there were no major employment-related or further study outcomes for prime- and mature-aged students who had undertaken certificate I and II courses. In addition, low proportions of students are projected to complete these courses, about a quarter at certificate I level and between a quarter and 30% at certificate II level. Outcomes in terms of gaining full-time employment after the course for those not employed before the course were quite poor (about 10%). Other employment-related outcomes from the course, such as career advancement or as a requirement of the job, were not major, and this was reflected in the proportions of those who did not report a job-related benefit from the course. A minority of prime- and mature-aged people were estimated to enrol in further study at a higher level (not much more than 10%). Further study outcomes from those enrolled in preparatory-type courses were also not significant. Relatively small proportions went on to enrol in further study at a higher level.

A complementary report by the same author, 'Australian Qualifications Framework lower-level qualifications: pathways to where for young people?', is indexed at TD/TNC 83.09. Show less