ACPET survey of private vocational and higher education

Monday, August 27 2012

In recognition of the importance of data to the sector, ACPET is undertaking a survey of the size and contribution of the private vocational and higher education sector. The power of data and its impact on informing policy and program decisions at both Commonwealth and State level is becoming increasingly important, particularly as the education and training market is becoming an increasingly contestable environment.

It is also critical for private providers to be able to collectively show their strength to governments and other stakeholders – sector-level data allows you, as a provider, to move the debate beyond what your institution can do to what private providers can do. That’s how shifts in government thinking and policy changes are achieved.

Over the coming days, members will receive an email with an invitation to participate in the ACPET survey. A high level of participation will underwrite the credibility of the survey results. You are strongly encouraged to take 5–10 minutes to participate to assist us in strengthening the position of private providers of vocational and higher education. Once again, we will provide all participants with a copy of the survey highlights to assist you in your advocacy and promotion.

The survey will be open for data input until 9 September 2012.

If you have not received an email alerting you to the survey, please email Ben Vivekanandan or phone Ben on 03 9412 5612.

Background

In recognition that reliable, up-to-date data is critical to the private sector, this is the second survey undertaken by ACPET of the size and contribution of private vocational and higher education. ACPET last undertook a survey of this scope in 2010 and the results have helped to ensure that the role of private providers was recognised in policy and program development, including giving governments confidence in the private sector’s ability to deliver on the COAG skills reform agenda. Given that two years have now passed since our last major survey, it is timely that we once again undertake such an initiative to ensure we are able to effectively represent the sector using relevant and up-to-date data.

ACPET is fully cognisant of the confidentially imperatives surrounding the collection of data. Accordingly, we have engaged an independent third party to manage the survey. Participants’ data will be collected and stored in a safe and secure manner by Deloitte. The individual information you provide in the survey will not be released to any other party, including ACPET.

We strongly encourage all members to participate in the survey. We look forward to seeing the comprehensive results and to using them to continue to impress upon governments the need for further funding, regulatory and policy reform to better meet the needs of private providers and their students.