A new report has highlighted the need for policymakers to utilise the strengths of both independent and public skills training providers to engage more Indigenous people in skills training, according to the Independent Tertiary Education Council of Australia.

It comes as the peak body representing independent skills training, higher education, and international education providers releases its 2024 Indigenous Skills Training Snapshot (the Snapshot), which suggests almost three quarters of all Indigenous students in skills training are supported by independent Registered Training Organisations (RTOs).

ITECA chief executive officer, Troy Williams, says independent RTOs play a "crucial role" in supporting Indigenous Australians.

"Skills training is crucial for Indigenous Australians, fostering empowerment and community development. It bridges educational and employment gaps, enabling participation in the broader economy," Mr Williams said.

"Official statistics demonstrate that independent RTOs will play a critical role in achieving the Closing The Gap targets, as these institutions currently support 78.3 per cent of all Indigenous students in skills training."

In 2021, 58.0 per cent of Indigenous people aged 15–24 years were fully engaged in employment, education or training, an increase from 57.2 per cent in 2016.

The aim, under the National Agreement on Closing The Gap, is to increase the engagement of Indigenous people aged 15-24 years in employment, education, or training to 67 per cent by 2031.

The Snapshot suggested RTOs do the "heavy lifting" in assisting Indigenous Australians to attain higher-level skills, supporting 61.6 per cent of students in Diploma (and higher) skills training qualifications.

These RTOs also support 51.8 per cent of Indigenous apprentices and trainees, which is crucial for businesses, especially in remote, rural, and regional Australia where skill shortages are common.

"The data from the 2024 Indigenous Skills Training Snapshot highlight the benefits of governments creating a policy framework that recognises the synergy between quality independent RTOs and public providers," Mr. Williams said.

According to data in the Snapshot, Indigenous students have reported high satisfaction with the training quality at independent RTOs, with a reported 90.7 per cent satisfaction rate among those at independent RTOs.

The data in the 2024 Indigenous Skills Training Snapshot is sourced from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), an initiative of the Australian state and territory governments.