Training funded by the Albanese Government is delivering strong employment pathways for Australians, according to the latest Productivity Commission Report on Government Services.
Skills and training remain central to lifting the nation's productivity, as the Government continues to invest in job-ready qualifications.
The report showed almost 1.1 million Australians were enrolled in government-funded vocational education and training (VET) qualifications in 2024, with almost three-quarters studying trade-level Certificate III or IV qualifications aligned with industries such as construction, care, business services and technical trades.
Government-funded training is reaching those who need it most, with the report finding participation is strong among First Nations people, people with disability, those in remote communities and people living in most disadvantaged areas.
Improved outcomes follow the Albanese Government making significant investments in VET since coming to office in 2022.
This includes the National Skills Agreement, a five-year, $30 billion agreement with states and territories to ensure every Australian can access the skills they want for the jobs local communities need.
Programs like Free TAFE, which recently marked three years, and the Key Apprenticeship Program, which is backing housing construction and clean energy apprentices to complete their apprenticeship with a $10,000 incentive payment, have also proven important measures to support more Australians into VET.
The Report on Government Services (RoGS) provides data directly from governments on the equity, efficiency and effectiveness of the services they provide.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:
"The Productivity Commission's latest Report on Government Services highlights the importance of providing quality government services to meet the needs of people looking for work.
"The Albanese Government continues to be focused on employment opportunities that meet the needs of Australian workers and employers.
"We also know that students who completed a nationally recognised VET qualification also achieve higher incomes and experience better employment rates."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:
"The Albanese Government is committed to a high-quality training system that supports Australians with the skills they want, for the jobs we need.
"Strengthening our skills system so it better meets the needs of learners, employers and the broader economy remains at the core of our work building Australia's future.
"Investments like Free TAFE and the Key Apprenticeship Program are making a real difference in the lives of Australians, and helping us turn around skills shortages which we inherited at a 50-year high from the former Coalition government."
BACKGROUND:
Facts at a glance
- More Australians are taking up government‑funded training, with especially strong participation in disadvantaged communities (88.5 in 1,000 people), remote areas (101.2 in 1,000 people), among people with disability (106.8 in 1,000 people), and First Nations people (137 per 1,000).
- Completions are rising, with 354,700 finishing their VET qualification each year. Completion growth has been particularly strong for First Nations students.
- Most students say their training paid off, with over 86% achieving their main goal.
- Training is improving job prospects, with almost two‑thirds of students lifting their employment situation - and nearly 85% in work or further study after training.
