This report provides an estimate of the extent and nature of nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) delivered in 2023 by Australian registered training providers (RTOs). Vocational education and training by nature is diverse, spanning a wide range of learning engagements from full-time programs across multiple years, short courses, to stand-alone subjects that were not delivered as part of a nationally recognised program. Student participation can also be wide ranging, with some students receiving training from multiple training providers within the same year.

Key findings

• In 2023, 5.1 million students were enrolled in nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET), up 10.8% from 2022. 
• An estimated 27.0% of the Australian resident population aged 15 to 64 years participated in nationally recognised VET.
• In 2023, compared with 2022:
  • student numbers increased by 10.8%
  • students enrolled in nationally recognised programs increased by 6.9%
  • students enrolled in stand-alone nationally recognised subjects increased by 14.0%
  • full-year training equivalents (FYTEs) increased by 10.7% to 1.3 million.
• Over the five-year period from 2019 to 2023, students enrolled in nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) increased by 20.2%.