Innovative funding reform to enable better VET access

MEDIA RELEASE: Innovative funding reform to enable better VET access

Catholic Schools NSW welcomes the NSW Government’s reform to the funding model of Vocational Education and Training (VET) for Years 11 and 12 that will allow better access to VET, particularly in rural, regional and lower socio-economic areas.

The new model will see all schools receiving a subsidy for externally delivered VET, with between 60 and 100 per cent of students’ tuition fees paid for depending on their school’s level of socio-economic advantage. The changes will apply to Catholic, Independent and government schools.

Over 11,000 years 11 and 12 students in NSW Catholic schools participate in VET courses in school annually, around 30% of the cohort. Approximately the same percentage of students in government schools undertake VET annually.

Catholic Schools NSW Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dallas McInerney, said the changes to how students can access vocational training would help low-income families, now and in the future.

“This innovative piece of reform will go a long way in building the next generation of skilled workers in a range of industries, including plumbing, construction, hairdressing and computing,” Mr McInerney said.

“The new funding model, along with changes to enable HSC students to undertake more VET courses that will contribute to their ATAR, will boost the status of VET, making it more affordable for schools and more attractive to students.”

“Increasing access to VET, particularly in rural, regional and lower socio-economic areas, is a win for students and all three school sectors.”