VET in Schools: a Study in Post-Schooling Destinations tracked the outcomes of the 9660 VCE students enrolled inVET programs in 1997 — about 9.5% of Year 11 and about 5% of Year 12 students.

The study found that:

• 20.5 % of Year 12 VET students enrolled in university.
• 31.5% went on to TAFE or further VET studies.
• 17% entered an apprenticeship or traineeship.
• 13.7% were in full time work.
• 5.3% were working part time.
• 5.6% returned to school or extended their studies over a longer period.
• Only 5.9% were unemployed.

Comparisons with 1996 data show increased access for VET students to tertiary studies, apprenticeships/traineeships and full-time work.

Female VET students were more likely to progress to university or post-school VET studies while males were likely to enter apprenticeships and traineeships.

The Gippsland and Goulburn regions boasted two of the highest Year-11 VET enrolments — over 21% and 13% respectively — and the Outer West and North West Melbourne (13.1% and 11.3 %) were also high.

At Year 12 level, the highest VET enrolments were recorded in Gippsland (nearly 12%) and Outer East Melbourne (7.7%).

In 1996 4507 students were involved in the program. By 1998 that figure had grown to 12,699.

The report, co-authored by Associate Professor Richard Teese, used information from the Board of Studies, Victorian Tertiary Admissions Committee and telephone and mail surveys.

(News Release, Offices of the Minister for Education and the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, March 17, 1999)