A statistical report on comparative performance of the 2020-commencing vocational education and training (VET) cohort. Completion rates vary across states and territories, training packages and occupations, due to variations in training system delivery, policy settings, student demographics, reporting arrangements, and broader economic conditions. 

Completion rates are presented as either observed or projected:

• observed rates are presented four years after the commencement year and can be used to compare performance between commencing cohorts.
• projected rates are generated for commencing years where enough time has passed to assume unsuccessful outcomes, but enough records remain outstanding that they impact the comparability of the rate.

Key findings

• VET students predominantly study part-time, which can extend their training time further.
• The completion rate (after four years) for all nationally recognised qualifications commencing in 2020 was 49%, up from 47% for those commencing in 2019.
• The highest completion rate for 2020-commencing qualifications was 55% for diploma-level or higher qualifications, and lowest for Certificate I qualifications, at 40%.
• There has been a gradual increase in the time taken to complete a qualification and this may be related to the pandemic or a shift in the training mix.
• Completion rates varied depending on the source of funding. 

The report is accompanied by explanatory notes, terms and definitions, and three fact sheets.