A key question raised by the Australian Universities Accord is how the tertiary education system can enhance participation rates and align vocational education and training (VET) with the evolving needs of the labour market. However, the alignment between VET in Schools enrolments and local labour market needs remains unclear. This study investigates the alignment of VET in Schools offerings in Queensland, where participation is highest, with employment across all industries. We analysed the 10 qualifications accounting for over 50% of VET in Schools enrolments in 2022–2023, comparing enrolment data with industry workforce sizes and identifying sectors experiencing skills shortages. The findings reveal areas of significant misalignment, with high enrolments in areas such as fitness, where job opportunities are limited, while critical sectors like health care and social assistance face workforce shortages. We recommend shifting policy from broad educational attainment targets to strategic approaches that prioritise the relevance of qualifications. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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