Latest survey confirms VET graduate salaries and employment on the rise

More than 200,000 students say they’re benefiting from the strength of Australia’s Vocational Education and Training (VET) sector.

Minister for Small and Family Business, Skills and Vocational Education, Senator Michaelia Cash, said the study by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) released today demonstrates the sector is delivering strong results.

The 2018 survey – the largest of its kind in Australia – shows nearly 60 per cent of graduates had improved their employment status after training, up 2.2 percentage points from 2017. More than 70 per cent of apprentices and trainees improved their employment status.

"What the results of this survey clearly show is that VET students are not only receiving a quality education, they are gaining real skills for real careers," Minister Cash said.

"77.3 per cent of graduates and 85.1 per cent of subject completers were employed, which is a tremendous result.

"The survey also found that around 90 per cent of graduates were likely to recommend their course or training provider to others."

The National Student Outcomes Survey gathered feedback about course satisfaction, career expectations, and employment expectations and salary outcomes.

The median income for VET graduates employed full time had also increased since 2017 by 2.9 per cent, up from $55,000 to $56,600. The median income for graduates employed in their first full time job had also increased to $45,000.

"These results are an overwhelming vote of confidence in the Australia’s VET sector and vindicates the Liberal National Government’s focus on providing Australians with opportunities to improve their skills," Minister Cash said.

The results of the survey can be found at https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/collection/student-outcomes/vet-student-outcomes.