Key Takeaways:
- VET participation increased 5.8% in 2024, with 266,765 students completing school-based vocational education and training, the highest participation rate recorded since national data collection began.
- Regional growth continues to strengthen Australia’s skills pipeline, with rising enrolments in key industries such as hospitality, construction, and community services across rural and regional areas.
- Private RTOs delivered 41% of all VET in Schools programs, highlighting their expanding influence in flexible, locally focused, and industry-responsive training delivery.
- Training package qualifications in tourism, sport, business, and construction recorded the highest national enrolments, reflecting strong student interest and industry demand.
- With rising participation, RTOs have greater opportunities to strengthen partnerships, maintain compliance, and align VET qualifications with regional workforce needs.
Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) sector continues to evolve as an essential pillar of national skills development. NCVER’s VET in Schools 2024 report shows that 266,765 secondary students were enrolled in VET programs in 2024 — a 5.8% increase from 2023 and the highest level of participation recorded since national data collection began.
This strong growth reflects how VET qualifications are meeting student demand for career-focused education while supporting workforce development in regional and metropolitan areas alike.
This blog examines the report’s findings through a regional and provider lens, highlighting participation trends, the expanding role of RTOs, and how training package qualifications are shaping the next generation of skilled Australians.
Regional Growth Strengthens Australia’s Training Pipeline
Regional participation in vocational education and training continues to rise, showing that schools outside metropolitan centres are successfully engaging students in career-focused learning.
- Queensland remained the national leader, accounting for 39.4% of all school-based VET students in 2024.
- Growth was also recorded in most other states and territories, with only minor declines in Tasmania and the ACT.
- Rural and regional schools reported increasing demand for VET qualifications in trades, healthcare, and hospitality — sectors critical to local economies.
These results highlight the growing importance of accessible training package qualifications in regional workforce planning. By enabling students to develop skills close to home, VET is helping address ongoing skill shortages in essential industries like construction, aged care, and tourism.
The Expanding Role of RTOs in Delivering Quality VET
RTOs remain at the heart of Australia’s vocational education and training system and their role in school-based continues to grow.
- Private RTOs trained 109,495 students in 2024, representing a 10.4% increase from the previous year.
- These providers now deliver 41% of all school-based VET programs, showing strong national demand for flexible, industry-driven training.
Private RTOs are particularly active in regional areas, where they collaborate with schools, employers, and community organisations to make VET qualifications accessible to students who might otherwise face barriers to training. Their adaptability allows tailored delivery that reflects local industry conditions and workforce priorities.
Government schools remain the largest contributors overall, enrolling almost 60% of students, but the steady rise of private providers signals a more diversified and collaborative approach to vocational education and training nationwide.
Training Package Qualifications Leading 2024 Enrolments
The NCVER data confirms that training package qualifications continue to dominate school-based VET delivery. In 2024, 366,245 enrolments were recorded — a 7.1% rise from 2023.
The top five qualifications by enrolment were:
- Tourism, Travel and Hospitality: 15.5%
- Sport, Fitness and Recreation: 13.8%
- Business Services: 11.5%
- Construction, Plumbing and Services: 7.1%
- Community Services: 6.7%
These qualifications reflect the strong connection between student interest and industry demand. Hospitality and construction remain major drivers of regional employment, while business and community services provide broad career pathways applicable across sectors.
By focusing on these areas, RTOs can ensure their course offerings align with both current and future workforce requirements.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships Fuel Regional Workforce Growth
Hands-on learning remains one of the most effective ways to develop employability skills, particularly in rural and regional areas. The report shows significant growth in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships:
- 21,515 students participated in 2024, an 11.4% increase from the previous year.
- Apprenticeships now account for 8.1% of all VET in Schools enrolments.
The most common apprenticeship training package qualifications were:
- Business Services
- Tourism, Travel and Hospitality
- Construction and Plumbing Services
- Community Services
- Automotive Retail, Service and Repair
These programs provide early entry into high-demand industries, giving students a head start in gaining the technical and interpersonal skills that employers need most, especially in regional settings where local labour markets rely heavily on vocational talent pipelines.
Qualification Levels and Pathways for Regional Learners
The 2024 data also reveals how VET qualifications are supporting clear learner pathways across Australia’s regions. Most students continue to enter at the foundational level and progress to higher study as their skills develop.
Breakdown of qualification levels in 2024:
- Certificate I: 26,225 enrolments (6.6%)
- Certificate II: 225,470 enrolments (57.1%)
- Certificate III: 129,695 enrolments (32.8%)
- Certificate IV: 6,685 enrolments (1.7%)
- Diploma or Higher: 7,000 enrolments (1.8%)
This progression shows that vocational education and training supports lifelong learning pathways, especially in regional communities where many students move from school-based VET into local apprenticeships, traineeships, or further vocational study.
Opportunities for RTOs in a Growing VET Landscape
For RTOs, the 2024 findings underscore a period of expansion and opportunity. With enrolments rising across sectors, training providers are in a strong position to shape how VET qualifications respond to local workforce needs.
Key actions for RTOs include:
- Expanding regional delivery networks. Establish partnerships with local schools and employers to deliver training package qualifications that address regional skill shortages.
- Tailoring course offerings. Focus on high-growth industries such as hospitality, construction, and business, adapting delivery models to suit local demand.
- Strengthening compliance frameworks. Maintain robust mapping, validation, and moderation processes to ensure audit readiness and alignment with the 2025 Standards for RTOs.
- Embracing blended and flexible delivery. Leverage technology and e-Learning tools to support remote learners and extend the reach of vocational education and training programs.
By focusing on these areas, RTOs can continue to lead the growth of Australia’s vocational sector, ensuring that students everywhere have access to quality, industry-aligned training.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can regional RTOs use NCVER data to plan future training delivery?
Regional RTOs can use this data to identify high-growth sectors in their area, such as tourism, construction, and health. By aligning their training package qualifications with these industries, providers can strengthen funding applications, develop targeted partnerships, and fill local skill gaps more effectively.
What funding opportunities are available to support VET expansion in regional areas?
Government initiatives like the Skills and Training Fund and state-level workforce development programs offer support for expanding vocational education and training in regional and remote communities. RTOs partnering with local schools or employers may be eligible for grants that encourage apprenticeships and school-based training pathways.
How can RTOs maintain compliance when scaling regional operations?
As RTOs expand into new locations, maintaining consistent validation, moderation, and trainer qualifications is crucial. Using nationally mapped and audit-ready VET qualifications ensures delivery remains compliant with ASQA’s standards while meeting industry and learner expectations across multiple sites.
What role can technology play in supporting regional vocational delivery?
Technology enables RTOs to reach more learners through blended and online delivery models. By using e-Learning tools and virtual simulations, regional providers can deliver vocational education and training flexibly — reducing travel barriers and improving access for students in remote areas.
How do school-based VET programs benefit regional employers?
School-based VET qualifications help employers identify and train potential future staff early. Apprenticeships and traineeships give students hands-on experience in local industries, reducing recruitment challenges and ensuring a steady supply of skilled workers within regional communities.
Conclusion
The VET in Schools 2024 report confirms that regional and private provider growth are vital to the continued success of Australia’s vocational education and training system. Participation is climbing, student outcomes are improving, and training package qualifications are proving central to both national and local workforce development.
As regional economies evolve, RTOs have the opportunity to collaborate with schools, employers, and communities to deliver training that meets real-world needs—helping build a workforce that’s skilled, adaptable, and ready for the future.
