As we mark International Women’s Day, the theme ‘March Forward’ highlights the importance of equipping women with the tools they need to succeed. One of the most effective ways to drive progress is through Vocational Education and Training (VET).
The Strong and Responsive VET Pathways report reinforces the benefits of VET qualifications, providing analysis on employment, income, further study and income support outcomes for 2019-20 VET students. The report reveals that 83% of female VET graduates are employed after training, highlighting the strong career advantages of vocational education. These graduates not only gain employment but also experience a median income uplift of $11,400 and a higher median income after completion of $41,900.
“Women with VET qualifications are achieving real gains in employment rates and income uplift,” said Jobs and Skills Australia Commissioner, Professor Barney Glover.
“The facts are clear, that there are tangible benefits to being a VET graduate.”
Beyond immediate employment, many women continue to advance their education. The report shows that 18% of female VET graduates progress to higher-level VET study, compared to 15% of men, while 10% of female graduates transition to higher education, surpassing 6% of men. These figures highlight the long-term career mobility that VET pathways enable.
Despite these successes, there is still room for progress. While 83% of female VET graduates are employed after training, their rate remains slightly lower than that of male graduates at 85%. Ensuring more women can access a broad range of career pathways and thrive in industries with high demand will strengthen both individual opportunities and Australia’s workforce. JSA is advancing analyses via its VET National Data Asset to provide deeper insights into the factors shaping graduate outcomes, helping to inform policies and initiatives that support the long-term success of all VET graduates.
It is evident that education opens doors to opportunity. VET provides women with the skills needed to build meaningful careers, achieve financial stability, and pursue further education. Ensuring more women are aware of these pathways will be key to supporting women’s long-term success and strengthening Australia’s workforce.
On this International Women’s Day, let’s ‘March Forward’ by recognising and championing VET as a critical tool for women’s economic empowerment and Australia’s workforce development.
