Certificate III is the cornerstone vocational qualification, providing graduates with increased chances of finding work and earning a substantial income (CESE, 2016).

There has been a downward trend in the proportion of 17 to 24 year olds fully engaged in work or study.

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.

If school leavers do not engage in the workforce, or in further training, they are at risk of experiencing long term unemployment and its related social disadvantages (CESE, 2016)

The proportion of 20 to 64 year olds with a Certificate III has increased from 47.9 per cent in 2005 to 60.2 per cent in 2015.

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.