VET News

VET Sector Adapts to Pandemic Challenges

Latest research Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on VET, released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), shows that training providers modified their operations to ensure student safety, wellbeing and engagement during the pandemic.

The pandemic had a significant impact on the VET sector, affecting mandated work placements, student enrolments and completions, as well as staff wellbeing and retention. Disadvantaged students and those living in high-infection regions were the groups most affected.

Training providers considered the individual needs of students and responded by using a combination of online and in-person teaching, introducing better hygiene protocols, providing flexible work options, and offering mental health and wellbeing programs.

“The pandemic led to training providers substantially reorganising their business processes, and these changes will be long-lasting, including the shift to blended learning," said NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker.

The pandemic has also had an impact on the income and financial viability of training providers. While there was some improvement in late 2020 and early 2021, many providers reported the situation was still challenging. This highlights the sector’s continual need for adaptation and resilience.

See full media release here.

Date posted Jun 1, 2023