This paper explores the experiences of young early school leavers undertaking vocational education to illuminate broader issues of equity and access. We argue that to overcome many of the sector’s shortcomings, policymakers and provider communities must first affirm equity and access as central to the sector’s core business.

This research looks at why young, early school leavers are not considering VET as a means of gaining skills, and why, if they do start a VET course, some disengage and drop out.

This research aims to shed light on the role of private providers in delivering training to a particular cohort of learners - young people who have left school early. The authors surveyed 130 private ‘for profit’ registered training organisations (RTOs) to find out their perspectives on teaching and learning practices, engaging with early school leavers...

The Brotherhood of St Laurence ‘Community VCAL’ program is a response to widespread concern in Victoria about youth disengagement from secondary education. Operating in Frankston since 2010, it enables 15–18 year olds who have encountered significant challenges to undertake the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning—a course which combines classroom tuition with vocational training and work...