Participation in vocational education and training (VET)

Post-secondary education and training leading to the acquisition of formal qualifications is available from a variety of public and private providers in the region, ranging from the Kimberley College of TAFE with campuses at Wyndham, Kununurra and Halls Creek, to Argyle mine and local CDEP schemes. Table 5.6 shows the number and proportion of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal enrolments in TAFE courses in the East Kimberley by course level in 2001. Almost one quarter of all Aboriginal male enrolments (22%) and 15% of Aboriginal female enrolments are in short, miscellaneous enabling courses with no formal certification attached. This compares to only 9% and 8% respectively for non-Aboriginal enrolments. Of those Aboriginal students enrolled in certified courses, the majority are at certificate I and II level, especially among males, whilst non-Aboriginal enrolments are far more likely to be at certificate III level or above. One noticeable variation from this pattern is the much higher proportion of Aboriginal females enrolled in diploma courses, although this only amounts to 18 persons. Also noticeable, is the fact that no enrolments were recorded at advanced diploma level, with the exception of one Aboriginal male.

Table 5.6. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal VET enrolmentsa by course level: East Kimberley, 2001

Aboriginal

Non-Aboriginal

Course level

Males

Females

Males

Females

No.

%

No.

%

No.

%

No.

%

No levelb

66

22.5

43

15.1

21

9.4

23

8.7

1

136

46.4

82

28.8

47

21.1

51

19.3

2

50

17.1

82

28.8

49

22.0

82

31.1

3

31

10.6

53

18.6

75

33.6

89

33.7

4

2

0.7

7

2.5

28

12.6

13

4.9

5

7

2.4

18

6.3

3

1.3

6

2.3

6

1

0.3

0

0.0

0

0.0

0

0.0

Total

293

100.0

285

100.0

223

100.0

264

100.0

Notes: a. Includes all VET enrolments collected by the WA Department of Training from publicly funded providers (TAFES and universities) and from private providers receiving public funds. Enrolment data for Private providers undertaking VET activity on a fee-for-service basis are not collected by the Department of Training

b. 1. Certificate I. 2. Certificate II. 3. Certificate III. 4. Certificate IV. 5. Diploma. 6. Advanced diploma

Excludes Indigenous status not stated

Source: WA Department of Training