ABS: Studying IT subjects loses its appeal

James Riley
Tuesday, 24 November 2009 15:25

IT People - Training

The proportion of people studying information technology subjects at institutions other than schools has plummeted since 2001, from 9 per cent of students enrolled in a course of study to just 3 per cent, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

By far the most common courses of study undertaken by Australians were in management and commerce – 26 per cent of all studying – followed by courses in society and culture.

The steep decline in interest among Australian students in IT subjects is in stark contrast to the rosier picture painted by an Australian Computer Society survey released earlier this year that revealed that being an IT or technology professional was the most desirable professional among teenagers preparing to enter study.

The ABS said 2.7 million people, or about 19 per cent of all Australians aged between 15 and 64, were enrolled in a course in May this year, compared to 18 per cent a year ago.

The report found more people were pursuing qualifications – from bachelor degrees, to diplomas and certificates – than in previous years. But the number of apprentices has dropped dramatically from 188,700 in 2008 to 163,000 this year.

The statistics also highlight the grim circumstances of younger people. The number of school leavers not engaged in either education of work increased 67 per cent from 36,300 last year to 60,800 in 2009.

The ABS said 38 per cent of Australian students were attending higher education institutions, with 28 per cent at school and 21 per cent at TAFEs.

About 64 per cent were studying full time, while less than half (42 per cent) in the 15 to 19 years age group.

The proportion of Australians with a Bachelor Degree qualification or higher increased from 17 per cent to 23 per cent from 2001 to 2009.