The Vocational Education and Training (VET) National Data Asset (VNDA) data release and report provides statistical insights on domestic, non-school students that completed a nationally recognised VET qualification in the 2020–21 financial year. The analysis explores the economic, employment and further study outcomes of VET graduates.

It highlights the positive economic and employment gains for VET graduates, including among First Nations students, females and students with disability. The report also underscores the importance of VET in creating pathways to higher-level training.

By examining student outcomes across cohorts, fields of study and courses, VNDA provides robust statistical insights to inform national skills policy, targeted interventions and future investment in Australia’s workforce.

The report is accompanied by the National Data Asset dashboard.

Key findings

• VET graduates experienced a median income uplift of $14,100 in the year following completion, with even higher gains for First Nations graduates.
• Employment rates increased by 16 percentage points post-training, with priority cohorts such as First Nations, CALD communities, women, and people with disability seeing post-training employment rate increases that were above the national average.
• Nearly one in three graduates enrolled in further VET study within a year, supporting lifelong learning and career progression.
• Almost one in two graduates who previously relied on income support no longer need it – demonstrating VET’s critical role in fostering economic independence.