Overview
Measures under Goal 7 have varied in performance
In 2023, the proportion of Aboriginal students aged 18-24 years enrolled in Vocational Education and Training (VET) studies increased at non-university VET providers but remained similar at university providers compared to 2022.
Overall, the proportion of Aboriginal VET graduates aged 20-64 engaged in employment and/or in further study also increased in 2023 but remained consistent for those in government funded programs compared to 2022.
In 2023, the university access rate of Aboriginal students (Aboriginal students as a proportion of total commencing Victorian onshore students) remained similar to the rate in 2022.
For the third year in a row, the number of Aboriginal people employed through a Victorian Government graduate or trainee program decreased. In 2024, only 23 Aboriginal people were employed through a Victorian Government graduate or trainee program. This is the lowest intake recorded between 2017 and 2024.
Goal 7 directly aligns with the following Closing the Gap Outcomes and Targets
Outcome 6: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential through further education pathways.
- Target 6: By 2031, 70 per cent of Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander people aged 25-34 years have completed a tertiary qualification (Certificate III and above).
Outcome 7: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are engaged in employment or education.
- Target 7: By 2031, increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth (15-24 years) who are in employment, education, or training to 67 percent.
Closing the Gap - How Victoria is tracking nationally
Outcome 6: In 2021, 47.0 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25–34 years had completed non-school qualifications of Certificate III or above across Australia, compared to 58.5 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline, the target shows improvement but is not on track to be met. In Victoria, there has been some improvement since 2016 (the baseline year).
Outcome 7: In 2021, 58.0 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 15–24 years were fully engaged in employment, education or training across Australia, compared to 65.5 per cent in Victoria. Nationally, based on progress from the baseline, the target shows improvement but is not on track to be met. In Victoria, there has been some improvement since 2016 (the baseline year).
Data Note
The following measures rely on datasets that are infrequently collected. No new data was available at the time of reporting.
- Measure 7.1.2 Proportion of 17–24 year old school leavers participating in full-time education and training and/or employment
- Measure 7.1.4a Proportion of 20–64 year olds with qualifications at Certificate III level or above
- Measure 7.1.4b Proportion of 20-64 year olds with non-school qualification at Certificate III level or above and/or currently studying at Certificate III level or above
Historical data for these measures are available on the First Peoples – State Relations website
7.1 Increase the proportion of Aboriginal young people in work or further education
Measure 7.1.1 Destinations of Year 12 completers
Aboriginal Year 12 completers are less likely to be in education or training than non-Aboriginal Year 12 completers. In 2024, 62.8 per cent of Aboriginal Year 12 completers were in education or training. This includes 20.8 per cent in an apprenticeship or traineeship, 29.7 per cent undertaking a bachelor’s degree and 12.3 per cent undertaking a certificate or diploma. In the same year 75.9 per cent of non-Aboriginal Year 12 completers were in education or training. This includes 8 per cent in an apprenticeship or traineeship, 57 per cent undertaking a bachelor’s degree and 10.9 per cent undertaking a certificate or diploma.
Compared to 2023, the proportion of Aboriginal Year 12 completers in an apprenticeship or traineeship increased by 6.4 percentage points whereas the proportion of those undertaking a bachelor’s degree or certificate or diploma remained consistent.
Aboriginal Year 12 completers are more likely to be in employment than in education or training compared to non-Aboriginal Year 12 completers. In 2024, the proportion of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Year 12 completers in employment was 25.9 per cent and 20.1 per cent respectively. However, between 2023 and 2024 the proportion of Aboriginal Year 12 completers in employment dropped significantly (down by 11.4 percentage points) compared to non-Aboriginal Year 12 completers (down by 2.3 percentage points).
In 2024, the proportion of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Year 12 completers who were looking for work or ‘not in labour force, education or training’ was 11.3 per cent and 4 per cent respectively. Compared to 2023, the proportion increased by 4.1 percentage points for Aboriginal Year 12 completers and remained consistent for non-Aboriginal Year 12 completers.
Dr Mary Atkinson Scholarship Program
Self-determination Enabler 4. Transfer power and resources to communities
The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions (DJSIR) continued to partner with Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) to develop and deliver an Aboriginal Tertiary Scholarship Program throughout 2024. The program provided up to 10 scholarships over four years (2021-2024) for Aboriginal students to excel in their studies thus leading them to achieve academic success with more employment opportunities. It is designed to assist Victorian Aboriginal students by investing in their academic development by offering financial support to undertake full-time study in a broad range of fields related to the portfolio areas of DJSIR. In partnership with VAEAI, DJSIR is committed to investing in building and supporting the aspirations of Aboriginal students to address systemic barriers to education by providing a fortnightly study allowance to ease the financial pressures associated with full-time study.
Measure 7.1.3 Proportion of 18–24-year-olds participating and completing tertiary education
In 2023, 6,063 Aboriginal students enrolled in VET studies. This includes 5,664 enrolled at a non-university VET provider and 399 at a university, which represents 63.8 per cent and 4.5 per cent of the Aboriginal population aged 18-24 respectively. Since 2022, the proportion of enrolments relative to the Aboriginal population aged 18-24 increased by 3.3 percentage points at non-university VET providers and remained stable at universities. Compared to 2015, the proportion of Aboriginal enrolments decreased by 9.9 percentage points at non-university VET providers but increased by 1.6 percentage points at universities.
Aboriginal students are more likely to enrol in VET studies than non-Aboriginal students. In 2023, the proportion of enrolments for non-Aboriginal people relative to the non-Aboriginal population aged 18-24 was 29.6 per cent at non-university providers and 3.8 per cent at universities.
The pandemic experience highlighted the need for holistic supports for Aboriginal students and their families, such as career mentors, pastoral care, academic assistance, and accessible Koorie Units. Providers noted that access to devices, secure internet connections, and suitable study environments were, and continue to be, crucial for successful participation in VET. Increases in enrolment are associated with support made available under the Wurreker Strategy through TAFE Koorie Units and may also be attributed to the internal supports offered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Registered Training Organisations (ACC-RTOs).
Non-Aboriginal students continue to have a higher completion rate for VET studies than Aboriginal students. In 2023, the proportion of completions relative to enrolments for non-Aboriginal people was 26.6 per cent at non-university VET providers and 26.3 per cent at universities. For Aboriginal people, the proportion was 18.4 per cent at non-university VET providers and 14.8 per cent at universities. VET studies provide students with practical and skills-based learning, supporting students into employment and further education. It is important that all students are supported throughout their studies, to increase course completion and improve their job prospects.
The university access rate of Aboriginal students (Aboriginal students as a proportion of total commencing Victorian onshore students) in 2023 is consistent with the rate in 2022 at 1.3 per cent. The attainment rate for Aboriginal students (Award course completions by Aboriginal students as a proportion of total Victorian students who completed an award course) in 2023 is also consistent with the rate in 2022 at 0.9 per cent.
Empowering success: Box Hill Institute’s Pastoral Academic and Cultural Support program
Self-determination Enabler 3. Address racism and promote cultural safety
Box Hill Institute’s (BHI) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Unit (ATSIU) is the force behind their new case management system, Pastoral Academic and Cultural Support (PACS), designed to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Since its launch in February 2023, it has driven a remarkable 600 per cent increase in student engagement, providing over 553 personalised support sessions to date. Through PACS, students have gained access to a wide range of services, including literacy and numeracy support, mental health and wellbeing resources, scholarship opportunities, and career guidance.
This proactive approach ensures early intervention to overcome academic, personal, and career-related challenges. At the heart of the program is a unique traffic light system that assesses student needs—red for high need, orange for medium, and green for low. This enables BHI’s ATSIU to deliver customised, wraparound support that addresses individual barriers, giving students a greater chance of achieving educational success, employment readiness, and emotional wellbeing.
The PACS program has not only enhanced the quality of support but also deepened BHI’s relationships with its students, building trust and creating opportunities for lasting impact. In 2024 alone, PACS supported 342 engagements with 147 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, demonstrating its critical role in empowering students to thrive academically, personally, and professionally. Box Hill Institute is committed to continuing this journey, ensuring every student has the tools and support they need to achieve their full potential
Measure 7.1.5 Proportion of 20–64-year-old government-funded and total VET graduates employed and/or in further study after training
Aboriginal VET students are highly likely to be employed or engage in further study after graduating. In 2023, 89.1 per cent of all 20–64-year-old Aboriginal VET graduates were employed and/or in further study. This is the highest proportion recorded between 2016 and 2023 and is a 4.3 percentage point increase since 2022. The proportion of 20–64-year-old Aboriginal VET graduates from government funded programs in employment and/or in further study remained consistent in 2023 compared to 2022, at 87.9 per cent. The highest proportion recorded between 2016 and 2023 was in 2016 at 88.9 per cent.
The proportion of 20–64-year-old Aboriginal VET graduates in employment and/or further study is similar to the proportion for 20–64-year-old non-Aboriginal VET graduates in 2023. In 2023, 88.8 per cent of all 20–64-year-old non-Aboriginal VET graduates and 87.6 per cent of non-Aboriginal VET graduates from government funded programs were employed and/or in further study.
Measure 7.1.6 Proportion of graduates and cadets employed in VPS; retention, progression and satisfaction
For the third year in a row, the number of Aboriginal people employed through a Victorian Government graduate or trainee program decreased. In 2024, 23 Aboriginal people were employed through a Victorian Government graduate or trainee program. This is the lowest intake between 2017 and 2024 and includes 12 Aboriginal people through the Barring Djinang Internship Program, 4 Aboriginal people through Aboriginal pathway into the Victorian Government graduate program and 7 Aboriginal people through the Youth Employment Scheme (YES) Trainee Program. Of these Aboriginal employees, only 17 remained in or completed their program in 2024. The highest recorded intake of Aboriginal people through a Victorian Government graduate or trainee program was in 2021, with 76 Aboriginal people employed.
Victorian Government Graduate Program Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Pathway, Generalist Stream - Amber’s story
“My name is Amber. I'm a proud Wergaia woman from the Wimmera region of Victoria. I studied a Bachelor of Science majoring in zoology.
I completed three rotations throughout my graduate program and really enjoyed gaining insight into what different departments across government do.
Two rotations were in the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. I was on the roading team for reducing bushfire risk and also working on policy and procedures surrounding seizure of wildlife.
At the Department of Premier and Cabinet, I was a part of the First Peoples – State Relations team. We organised events such as the Ricci Marks Awards and the Aboriginal Honour Roll, so it's been amazing to see the diversity within government.
A benefit of going through the Aboriginal pathway has been having that smaller, tight-knit community of other Aboriginal grads. The Aboriginal Staff Network has also really helped me to come out of my shell and remind myself that I have a network of support around me.
So to any of you mob out there thinking of applying, I would really suggest that you research more about it to see if it aligns with your career and employment opportunities and goals. And also, to really just give it a shot.
Being a part of the program has opened me up to some amazing opportunities and I'm proud that I did it. You never know what's going to happen. So just apply, see where it takes you, and keep checking in with mob.”
Learning and Skills
Culturally-supportive and responsive learning spaces are vital for creating an environment where Aboriginal students feel supported to achieve their learning aspirations and excel.
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