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Abstract

An important aim of the vocational educational and training system is to improve the employability and employment outcomes of students. The TAFE Student Outcomes Survey allows an investigation of the factors associated with employability of different individuals. Significantly for policy makers, it provides data on the course of study undertaken and institute attended. This paper models the probability that a TAFE student is employed as opposed to unemployed in the following year after graduation. It is found that non-English speaking background and disabled students have significantly lower employment outcomes than other students. One field of study, science—which includes mostly information technology courses—was associated with lower employment prospects than others. A tentative conclusion is drawn that higher-level qualifications result in better employment outcomes.

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Field of Study and Employment Outcomes: An Analysis of Tafe Graduates

Abstract

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