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Participation in tertiary education in Australia
Australia needs more people participating in VET or university studies to ensure prosperity, but current trends show a smaller proportion of Australians taking up tertiary studies.
The Australian tertiary education sector continues to struggle with the demands of mass higher education, and the ongoing need for responsive, accessible vocational education and training (VET). Decades of reform have not yet delivered a sustainable tertiary education sector that presents a seamless array of options to meet student and employer needs. Now, the sector faces its biggest challenge brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the fall out significantly impacting the opportunities of Australian students.
Our work looks at participation in tertiary education to understand barriers to access, and how well Australia is equipping itself for current and future skills needs.