A new report highlights the significant contribution of independent skills training providers in supporting Indigenous students. The publisher of the report is the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers.
As noted in the 2022 ITECA State Of The Sector Report, independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) support 75.7% of all Indigenous students in skills training.
“When it comes to delivering the courses that will help Indigenous students enter the workforce, it’s independent skills training providers that do the heavy lifting, said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
The 2022 ITECA State Of The Sector Report highlights why independent skills training providers are the preferred study option for more than three-in-four Indigenous students. The report notes some of the key measures of Indigenous student satisfaction with a private training provider:
- 91.0% of Indigenous students were satisfied with the overall quality of their training.
- 85.9% of Indigenous students achieved their main reason for doing training.
- 86.6% of Indigenous Australians would recommend their training provider.
- 85.9% of Indigenous students were satisfied with the learning resources at their training provider.
“Last year, some 117,950 Indigenous Australians were enrolled with independent skills training providers. This is a critical statistic as governments look at a range of policy options to help more Indigenous students not only into a job but also into a career,” Mr Williams said.
The Closing The Gap Agreement includes the target to increase to 70% the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years who have completed a tertiary qualification (Certificate III and above).
“In this critical task of helping Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential through further education pathways, it’s clear that independent skills training providers will do the heavy lifting,” Mr Williams said.
The 2022 ITECA State Of The Sector Report shows some of the key courses undertaken by Indigenous students studying with independent skills training providers.
“In key sectors such as transport and logistics, more than 93% of Indigenous students are studying with independent skills training providers. This is a great outcome not only for these students but also for businesses around Australia facing supply chain issues,” Mr Williams said.
ITECA is using the data on Indigenous Australians studying with independent skills training providers in its advocacy associated with developing a new skills funding agreement between the Australian, State and Territory Governments.
“At the end of the day, students must be at the heart of the skills training system. We want governments to back the decision of students to study with the provider of their choice, whether this is a quality independent provider or a public college,” Mr Williams said.
A copy of the 2022 ITECA State Of The Sector Report can be
