Australian Qualifications Framework Lower-Level Qualifications: Pathways to Where for Young People?.

Abstract

This report investigates the outcomes from lower-level Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) qualifications (Certificates I and II) for young people (aged 15 to 24 years). These qualifications are aimed at developing basic vocational skills or preparatory access skills. They may also lead to further study. A prime motivation for young people undertaking these qualifications is to facilitate transition into the labour market. The main questions to be addressed by this research are: (1) To what extent do Certificate I and II qualifications lead to employment? (2) To what extent are Certificate I and II qualifications being used as pathways to further study? (3) To what extent do preparatory courses lead to employment and/or further study outcomes? The findings indicate that vocational and further study outcomes for young people from Certificate I and II qualifications could be described as fair, at best, with some variations to these findings according to age, gender and certificate level. The data indicate that very small proportions (less than 10%) of young people undertook their course for further study reasons, the majority reporting that they undertook the course for employment-related reasons, while a significant proportion reported personal interest as a motivation. Females were found to be more likely to report personal interest and further study as motivations. A key finding of the research is that few young people who enrol in Certificate I and II courses complete them and only a minority of young people were projected to enrol in further study at a higher level (just under a quarter), or to complete a further qualification.