School completion
In recent years, the Australian Government and state and territory governments have focused attention
on encouraging young Australians to complete Year 12 or a vocational certificate-level course.
The National Education Agreement sets targets for 90% of young people to have attained Year 12
or a Certificate II or above by 2015, and Year 12 or a Certificate III or above by 2020 (see Chapter 4
‘School retention and completion’).
In May 2014, 86% of 20–24 year olds had completed Year 12 or at least Certificate II and 85% had
completed Year 12 or at least Certificate III, which was an increase on the 2005 figures of 81% and
80% respectively (ABS 2014e) (see Chapter 4 ‘School retention and completion’).
Further education
Overall, Australians are better educated than a decade ago: 75% of people aged 15–64 held a Year
12 or non-school qualification at Certificate II level or above in May 2014 compared with 66% in
2004 (ABS 2014e).
While growth was recorded across the decade in all age groups, it was particularly strong in the
following age groups: 35–39 (from 70% in 2004 to 86% in 2014); 40–44 (68% to 81%); 55–59 (58% to
71%); and 60–64 (50% to 63%) (ABS 2014e) (see Figure 1.2.6).