Surge in TAFE Institute enrolments
Official National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) data shows Australia’s 58 TAFE Institutes are experiencing the impact of an increased focus on training and skills flowing from the economic downturn, with student enrolments at record levels, and big increases in Certificate III, Certificate IV, Diploma and higher subjects across the TAFE Institute network.
Overall, Australian vocational education enrolments increased almost 5% in 2008 compared with 2007, according to NCVER the in its new report: Australian vocational education and training statistics: students and courses 2008.
NCVER recorded 1.325 million students at TAFE Institutes, representing a 78.2% market share of the total 1.7 million students enrolled in the public VET system in 2008. For accredited course enrolments, TAFE Institute market share tops 82.4% - a significant increase of 3.4% from 2007, and a reflection of the economic downturn.
Private training also increased, however community education provider market share fell.
Other findings include:
- Indigenous students increased by 4%
- Students from non-English speaking backgrounds increased by 7.5%
- Almost 89% of students were studying part-time.
Business management and commerce topped the course demand (20.4%), followed by engineering and related technical subjects (16.6%). Areas including food and hospitality also recorded a moderate increase.
To view the report click here