The number of students from low SES backgrounds with a Certificate III+ nearly doubled between 2010 and 2011. This increase coincides with a significant change in the method of classifying students as ‘low SES’, which changed in 2011.
Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas train adults to apply technical knowledge and skills across a broad range of contexts, and undertake highly skilled or paraprofessional work. This provides flexible learning options for people who have not completed the HSC.
Apprenticeships and traineeships combine employment with on-the-job and formal training. Unlike other VET qualifications, apprentices and trainees have a contract with the employer responsible for providing on-the-job training and receive a training wage.
A break in the series occurred in 2013, as people who are permanently unable to work were included in the data collection for the first time.