Remote, Rural & Regional Students Depend On Independent Providers
The release of the Remote, Rural, and Regional Skills Training Snapshot by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia helps policymakers better appreciate the critical role of independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) in delivering the quality skills training that shapes the future of remote, rural, and regional Australia.
The snapshot reveals that 87.3% of students in remote, rural, and regional settings, that’s 1,197,525 individuals, choose to study with independent RTOs. These RTOs, with a commitment to quality, are helping local communities thrive. By offering training opportunities close to home, independent RTOs are reducing the need for students to migrate to capital cities for education, thereby combatting the "brain drain" that has long eroded regional talent pools.
In remote, rural and regional areas independent RTOs lead in enrolments, with 60% of Diploma student enrolments, 62.7% of Certificate IV student enrolments, and over half of Certificate III and Certificate I & II student?enrolments. This reflects not only the accessibility of independent RTOs, but also their reputation for quality. As outlined in the Remote, Rural, and Regional Skills Training Snapshot, students consistently report high satisfaction with learning resources, assessments, and employment outcomes, highlighting the unmatched value delivered by independent RTOs.
The industry-specific data is equally compelling. In resources and infrastructure, 91% of training package enrolments are with independent RTOs. In community services, retail, and health, the numbers are similarly impressive, with enrolments exceeding half in each area. These statistics are a testament to the alignment of independent RTOs with the needs of regional industries. They are not just educating students; they are creating a pipeline of skilled workers essential to the economic fabric of these communities.
The ambitious target set by Regional Australia Institute in their Regionalisation Ambition 2032 is to increase the share of skilled workers in regional Australia to 80%, and independent RTOs are already proving they are up to the task. Their ability to deliver industry-aligned, high-quality training positions them as indispensable partners in achieving this vision.This report, based on authoritative data from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), provides a roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and communities. It challenges us to recognise and support the indispensable role of independent RTOs in building a skilled and educated workforce across remote, rural and regional Australia.
The Remote, Rural, and Regional Skills Training Snapshot?shows that independent skills training is not only good for students, it’s good for remote, rural and regional Australia.
Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive
#VocationalTraining #SkillsTraining #RegionalAustralia
This post was first published as the ITECA National Monday Update on 2 December 2024
Providing Professional Development for Employees and Organisations to drive ACI and Sustained Success
2 个月This is great news and so important in ensuring we rebuild Regional Australia.
CEO of SALT Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen Australia ? National workshops using hand & power tools ? Growing awareness of a trades career for women, girls, LGBTQI+ ? Qualified Carpenter & Builder ?? Collaborator
2 个月This is really reassuring news. And huge congratulations to the RTOs in regional areas that are flexible and adaptable enough to respond to the specific needs of their local students. SALT - Supporting and Linking Tradeswomen, travels through regional and remote areas promoting careers in trades to students and would love to promote RTOs that offer strong wrap around supports for women and First Nations youth to thrive in VET. Non Public RTOs have had a hit to their reputations in the early days of ASQA and it’s great to see the ones that have stood the test of time with diligent compliance to now be getting the recognition for the quality services they provide!