The role of small independent vocational education and training (VET) sector providers is being
celebrated by the Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA), the peak body representing
independent providers in the higher education, vocational education, training and skills sectors.
“When many think of vocational education and training it’s not unexpected tha t their mind s turn to large
providers with big campuses with thousands of students. However, this overlooks the substantial
contribution of small independent providers,” said Troy Williams, ITECA Chief Executive.
Data published by the National Centre for Vocational Education and Research (NCVER) examined small
providers with less than one hundred students that have been in operation for three years or more.
According to ITECA, this data has made a substantial cont ribution to the debate about the strong role that
independent providers play in delivering students and their employers with the quality outcomes they are
looking for.
Key insights into small independent providers and their contribution include.
▪ Around 19,000 students are supported by small providers ;
▪ Some 33% of qualifications issued by small providers are at diploma level or higher ;
▪ The Diploma of Access Consulting and the Certificate III in Rail Customer Service are only
delivered by small providers ;
▪ The median number of students with small providers is 31, which allows them to provide
focused training and support.
“Small independent providers excel at providing qualifications in specialist areas often overlooked by
larger providers, adding to the breadth of support that Australia’s independent tertiary education system
provides to business looking for skilled workers,” Mr Williams said.
Independent providers support more than 70% of the 4.1 million students undertaking a VET program.
including 58% of students undertaking a VET Diploma, 64% of students undertaking a Certificate IV and
58% of students undertaking a Certificate III.
