The report provides data on vocational education and training (VET) undertaken by school students in Australia as part of their senior secondary certificate of education, where the training is nationally recognised or delivered by schools or other training providers. Students can engage in VET through a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship, or through alternative pathways. 

The report finds that the number of students participating in VET in schools in 2024 increased by 5.8%, reaching a total of
266 765 students in Australia. This represents an estimated 28% of the school population aged 15 to 19 years in Australia. Nationally, student numbers reached its highest level since the collection began in 2006.

Key findings

• Over the past five years, the number of school-based apprentices or trainees has shown an overall upward trend.
• Queensland continues to hold the highest proportion of VET in Schools students.
• In 2024, the majority of VET in Schools students were enrolled in government schools, followed by catholic schools.
• Private training providers accounted for the largest share of students in 2024.
• Program enrolment trends from 2019 to 2024 indicate a continued shift towards higher level qualifications.
• In terms of program enrolments, the most popular training package was Tourism, Travel and Hospitality, followed by Sport, Fitness and Recreation, and Business Services.

The report is accompanied by explanatory notes.