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Student Satisfaction Survey

2016: WA State Report

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.dtwd.wa.gov.au/

Student Satisfaction Survey 2016 - WA State Report

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................... 3

2. Scope ............................................................................................................. 3

3. Methodology .................................................................................................. 3

4. Changes from 2015 to 2016 .......................................................................... 3

5. Terms used .................................................................................................... 4

6. Abbreviations used ........................................................................................ 5

7. Highlights ....................................................................................................... 6

8. Satisfaction scores: chart summaries ............................................................ 8

9. Table of key findings ...................................................................................... 9

10. Table of 95% confidence intervals for key findings ...................................... 10

11. Detailed tables: Comparison State level 2015 versus 2016 ......................... 11

12. Detailed tables: 2016 State level and socio-demographic groups ............... 27

13. Detailed methodology .................................................................................. 43

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In accordance with our Quality Assurance System, this report has been reviewed and approved by:

Name: Jochem Tubbing

Position: Senior Consultant

Date: 03-02-2016

Document Version: FINAL


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1. Introduction This publication presents information about the satisfaction levels amongst students at Western Australian TAFEs and the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) during 2016. The figures are derived from the WA Student Satisfaction Survey, which is used to measure the quality of the service provided by WA’s TAFEs and WAAPA, and to gain a better understanding of their customers and their needs. The results inform the development and improvement of policy, planning and resources. The survey is also a critical component of statutory reporting for State Parliament and the marketing of the training sector to prospective clients and industry.

2. Scope The WA Student Satisfaction Survey is an annual survey amongst students who are funded under the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development. The following student groups have been excluded from the scope of the survey: international full fee paying students, students undergoing training through a school-based program (VET in schools), Adult community education (ACE) students, students who are in a correctional facility and students aged less than 15 years.

3. Methodology The 2016 Student Satisfaction Survey fieldwork was conducted between Wednesday 7 September and Monday 21 November 2016. A hybrid survey methodology was used to maximise responses across the diverse student population. Students were invited to complete the survey online via e-mail, SMS, through the WA Student Satisfaction Survey website, and via posters at TAFEs and WAAPA. Students were also able to complete a hard copy questionnaire provided by staff at each of the TAFEs and WAAPA. Finally, a subset of students was called in order to complete the survey using Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI).

4. Changes from 2015 to 2016 On 11 April 2016 the 11 former State training providers were abolished and five new TAFE colleges were created, with three in regional Western Australia and two in the Perth metropolitan area. For reporting purposes, the 2015 and 2016 data have been analysed based on the new five TAFE structure, even though for part of 2016 the 11 State training provider structure was in place. The 2016 data set will include students who completed their training prior to the introduction of the new structure. The response scales used in the survey have been amended from 7-point agreement or satisfaction scales to 5-point scales. In previous years, the survey questions used a mix of both 5 and 7 point response scales. 2016 provided the ideal opportunity to make the response scales consistent. This amendment has not affected the overall satisfaction question, which has always used a 5 point response scale.


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5. Terms used

Standard error and confidence intervals

When viewing survey data it must be remembered that there is a potential for sampling error; being errors that occur by chance because the data are obtained from a sample of students and from not the entire student population. This report indicates the reliability of estimates based on samples by reporting standard errors or confidence intervals; the larger the standard error or confidence interval, the less reliable the data. All standard errors have been calculated based on ‘the central limit theorem’ and using the achieved satisfaction scores for 2016 in question 23 of the survey: ‘Overall, how satisfied are you with your course?’ The confidence interval has been calculated at the 95% confidence level. The confidence interval provides an estimate of the variance in the reported scores that could occur due to sampling error. The size of the usable population at each of the training providers has been taken into consideration calculating the confidence intervals and standard errors. This is known as a finite population correction. This approach is consistent with that used in previous years. This inclusion addresses the concerns and difficulties of some of the smaller training providers that were required to achieve quite large sample sizes to achieve the confidence intervals required by the Office of the Auditor General. In 2016, the confidence interval for the total sample is ±0.48%; this means that with a 95% level of confidence, the survey results lie within -0.48% and +0.48% of the actual results amongst the total student population. At the individual training provider level, the confidence interval at the 95% confidence level was less than ±1% for North Metropolitan TAFE and South Metropolitan TAFE, between ±1% and ±2% for all regional TAFEs (North Regional TAFE, Central Regional TAFE and South Regional TAFE) and less than ±3% for WAAPA.

Significance testing

Significance tests (T-tests) between the 2015 and 2016 scores were conducted based on a 95% confidence interval. In this report significance tests compare 2015 to 2016 scores. The ‘+’ symbol indicates a score is statistically significantly higher. The ‘-’ symbol indicates a score is statistically significantly lower. Most ‘scale’ questions, such as those asking about level of satisfaction or agreement, were asked both in 2015 and 2016, but measured on a different rating scale: a 7 point Likert scale was used in 2015 and a 5 point Likert scale was used in 2016. Direct comparison of rating scores is therefore not possible. In order to compare the results, a standardised mean score has been calculated for the 2015 results, which enables indicative comparisons between the 2015 and 2016 results. The change to some response scales prevents testing for statistically significant differences between 2016 and previous years. However, all 2016 data have been compared to 2015, and where changes of the same direction in standardised means, very satisfied and net satisfaction scores are identified, they are commented on in the highlights section.


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6. Abbreviations used Aboriginal students: The term Aboriginal is intended to include reference to Torres Strait Islander and Indigenous Australians.

AVETMISS: Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard

CATI: Computer assisted telephone interviewing

CRT: Central Regional TAFE

EBS: Employment-based students (includes apprentices and trainees)

ESL: English as a second language

IBS: Institution-based students

N/A: Not applicable

NMT: North Metropolitan TAFE

NRT: North Regional TAFE

SMT: South Metropolitan TAFE

SPSS: Statistical Package for the Social Sciences

SRT: South Regional TAFE

STP: State Training Provider

VET: Vocational Education and Training

WA: Western Australia

WAAPA: Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts


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7. Highlights

Overall Satisfaction

88.9% of students were satisfied with their course, up significantly from 87.8% in 2015. The proportion of very satisfied students increased significantly from 42.5% to 44.8%. 4.6% of students were dissatisfied with their course, up significantly from 3.9% in 2015. The 2016 results show a somewhat more polarised pattern in results compared to 2015.

88.5% of institution based students (IBS) were satisfied with their course, up significantly from 87.2% in 2015.

90.2% of employment based students (EBS) were satisfied with their course, similar to 2015.

91.5% of Aboriginal students were satisfied with their course, similar to 2015.

83.0% of students with disability were satisfied with their course, similar to 2015.

Satisfaction Measures

At 88.4%, students were most likely to be satisfied with ‘the quality of lecturers’, followed by ‘the reputation of the training provider’ (84.9%) and ‘the facilities available at the training provider’ (84.8%). At 54.7%, students were least likely to be satisfied with ‘the cost of the course’.

Though direct comparisons between 2015 and 2016 data for some of the satisfaction questions are unreliable due to the scale changes1, the results (standardised means) suggest that satisfaction with ‘the quality of lecturers’ has improved between 2015 and 2016.

Provider Choice

The three most important factors when choosing TAFE instead of studying with a private training provider were ‘location of TAFE’ (33.2%), ‘the reputation of TAFE’ (28.7%) and ‘good facilities and resources at TAFE’ (25.6%).

32.2% of students had considered doing their course somewhere else; 22.8% had identified at least one other place to study, while 9.4% had considered but not found an alternative place to study. These results are similar to 2015.

67.8% of students had not considered doing their course somewhere else. This includes 24.6% who did not consider doing their course somewhere else because their employer or someone else chose the training provider, down significantly from 25.9% in 2015.

The three most important factors when choosing where to study were ‘location of the training provider’, 30.2%; ‘flexible course options’, 11.5%; and ‘reputation of the training provider’, 10.6%. Compared to 2015, students in 2016 were significantly less likely to mention ‘flexible course options’ (from 12.5% to 11.5%) and ‘I had no choice; they were the only place offering the course’ (from 13.3% to 12.1%).

1 Refer to Section 4 and Significance Testing (Page 4) for details of the amendments to the response scales.


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Online Learning1

71.5% of students indicated their course involved online learning, up significantly from 63.6% in 2014.

23.6% of students indicated that more than half of their course consists of online learning, up significantly from 20.6% in 2014.

Of those students who have an online learning component in their course:

68.1% agreed that they receive adequate support to help them with online learning;

65.9% agreed that online learning suits their needs;

36.9% agreed they would like to see more online learning in their course.

Fees

51.9% of students paid the course fees themselves, 23.5% had their employer pay their course fees, 16.5% had family or friends pay their course fees and 11.3% of students paid their fees with VET FEE-HELP. These results are similar to 2015.

62.9% of students who were charged course fees knew before enrolment what the total fees of their course would be, up significantly from 55.8% in 2014.1

In 2016, 63.9% of students who were charged course fees considered it easy to access information about the fees for their course, whereas 11.7% experienced this as difficult.

78.2% of students who were charged course fees indicated that cost did not influence their decision about which course to study, whereas 14.2% chose a course they could afford rather than one they really wanted to do, and 7.6% chose a course eligible for VET FEE-HELP.

Support Services

Awareness of some support services offered to students increased significantly from 2015, those being ‘literacy and numeracy support’, ‘financial assistance’, ‘other counselling services’, ‘English language assistance (for ESL)’ and ‘reasonable adjustment/ accommodation’.

‘English language assistance (for ESL)’ (up to 6.2% from 5.5%) and ‘reasonable adjustment/accommodation’ (up to 6.6% from 5.9%) saw significant increases in usage between 2015 and 2016.

1 These questions were not asked in 2015. 2014 data have been used for comparison purposes.


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1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

1%

1%

1%

3%

3%

3%

3%

4%

3%

3%

3%

10%

9%

8%

9%

9%

9%

8%

6%

49%

47%

46%

47%

46%

47%

45%

44%

37%

40%

42%

39%

40%

40%

42%

45%

2009 NET SAT: 85.6% (n=8,388)

2010 NET SAT: 86.7% (n=9,919)

2011 NET SAT: 88.4% (n=10,707)

2012 NET SAT: 86.3% (n=10,820)

2013 NET SAT: 85.9% (n=10,333)

2014 NET SAT: 86.9% (n=9,905)

2015 NET SAT: 87.8% (n=10,256)

2016 NET SAT: 88.9% (n=12,060)

Very dissatisfied Dissatisfied Neither / Nor Satisfied Very satisfied

8. Satisfaction scores: chart summaries

Figure 1: Overall satisfaction 2009 – 2016 – WA State average


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9. Table of key findings

Table 1: Student satisfaction survey key findings1

State 2015 State 2016


All students 87.8%- 88.9%+

Institution based students (IBS) 87.2%- 88.5%+

Employment based students (EBS) 90.1% 90.2%

Aboriginal students 92.4% 91.5%

Students with disability 83.7% 83.0%

Satisfaction Measures2

Standardised Mean score

Mean score

The quality of lecturers 4.2 4.4

The facilities available at your training provider 4.1 4.2

The cost of your course3 3.3 3.5

The information and customer service provided by staff in student services 4.1 4.1

The reputation of the training provider 4.2 4.2

Campus safety and security measures 4.2 4.2

How convenient the training provider’s location is 4.2 4.2

How likely it is that your course will lead to a job/career 4.2 4.3

Course and training experiences (agreement measures)2


Mean score

It was easy to find out about my course 4.1 4.1

I am gaining the skills I want to learn from my course 4.3 4.3

I receive regular feedback throughout my course on my progress 4.0 4.0

The way I am assessed is a fair test of my skills and knowledge 4.2 4.2

I have access to the equipment necessary for my training 4.2 4.2

Quality of resources and facilities (agreement measures)2


Mean score

Learning resources are up to date and relevant to my studies 4.1 4.1

The computers and software available on campus are suitable for my needs 4.1 4.1

Library services have up to date and useful resources that help me with my studies4 4.0 4.0

The library services provided help me with my studies4 4.0 3.9

The overall campus is a pleasant place to learn 4.3 4.3

The campus buildings are well maintained 4.1 4.1

Main intention

To complete some subjects/units only 12.7% 13.5%

To complete an entire qualification 87.3% 86.5%

Demographics



Apprentices/trainees 22.3% 23.1%

TOTAL SAMPLE 10,256 12,060

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant changes from the previous year.

2 As a result of scale changes between the 2015 and 2016 questionnaires, comparisons are shown between standardised mean

scores for 2015 (recalculated from a 7 point to a 5 point Likert scale) and the actual mean scores (5 point Likert scale) for 2016.

3 Students who did not pay their course fees themselves were excluded from answering the cost of course question.

4 The wording of the question changed from 'library' to 'library services' in 2016.


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10. Table of 95% confidence intervals for key findings

Table 2: Student satisfaction survey confidence levels



All students 0.6% 0.5%

Institution based students (IBS) 0.6% 0.5%

Employment based students (EBS) 1.4% 1.1%



Satisfaction Measures1

The quality of lecturers 0.6% 0.5%

The facilities available at your training provider 0.6% 0.6%

The cost of your course2 1.0% 0.9%

The information and customer service provided by staff in student services 0.7% 0.6%

The reputation of the training provider 0.6% 0.6%

Campus safety and security measures 0.6% 0.6%

How convenient the training provider’s location is 0.7% 0.6%

How likely it is that your course will lead to a job/career 0.6% 0.6%

Course and training experiences (agreement measures)1

It was easy to find out about my course 0.6% 0.6%

I am gaining the skills I want to learn from my course 0.6% 0.5%

I receive regular feedback throughout my course on my progress 0.7% 0.6%

The way I am assessed is a fair test of my skills and knowledge 0.6% 0.5%

I have access to the equipment necessary for my training 0.6% 0.5%

Quality of resources and facilities (agreement measures)1

Learning resources are up to date and relevant to my studies 0.7% 0.6%

The computers and software available on campus are suitable for my needs 0.7% 0.7%

Library services have up to date and useful resources that help me with my studies3 0.8% 0.8%

The library services provided help me with my studies3 0.8% 0.9%

The overall campus is a pleasant place to learn 0.6% 0.5%

The campus buildings are well maintained 0.7% 0.6%

Main intention

to complete some subjects/units only 0.6% 0.6%

to complete an entire qualification 0.6% 0.6%

Demographics



Apprentices/trainees 2.0% 1.6%


1 The confidence intervals for 2015 are calculated based on the 7 point Likert scale that was used in the survey in 2015, whereas

the confidence intervals for 2016 are calculated based on the 5 point Likert scale used in 2016. 2

Students who did not pay their course fees themselves were excluded from answering the cost of course question. 3 The wording of the question changed from 'library' to 'library services' in 2016.


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11. Detailed tables: Comparison State level 2015 versus 2016


QA. Please indicate at which one of the following training providers you studied your main course this year?1 2

South Metropolitan TAFE 42.5% 41.5%

North Metropolitan TAFE 24.6%- 26.4%+

South Regional TAFE 14.8% 14.7%

Central Regional TAFE 10.2% 9.8%

North Regional TAFE 7.3% 6.9%

WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) 0.6% 0.6%

QB. Are you an apprentice or trainee?2

Yes, an apprentice 20.1%- 21.5%+

Yes, a trainee 2.2%+ 1.5%-

Neither 77.7% 76.9%

Q1. What is your main intention with your course?

To complete some subjects/units only 12.7% 13.5%

To complete an entire qualification 87.3% 86.5%

Q2. Did you consider doing your course somewhere else? Select the ONE option that best describes your situation.2

NET: No 67.7% 67.8%

No – I didn't choose the place, my employer or someone else chose it for me 25.9%+ 24.6%-

No – I did not look for other places offering this course 41.8%- 43.2%+

Yes – I looked for other places offering this course and found at least one other place 22.7% 22.8%

Yes – I looked for other places offering this course, but I didn't find any other places 9.6% 9.4%

NET: Yes 32.3% 32.2%


Q3a. Which of the following factors was the MOST important when choosing where to study? (one option only)2 3

Location of the training provider 30.4% 30.2%

Flexible course options (e.g. online learning, part-time study options) 12.5%+ 11.5%-

Reputation of the training provider 10.2% 10.6%

Quality of the course 9.6% 10.4%

Good facilities and resources at the training provider 9.6% 9.6%

Cost of the course 6.1% 6.8%

Quality of lecturers 6.0% 6.7%

Access to information about the course 2.3% 2.1%

I had no choice, they were the only place offering the course 13.3%+ 12.1%-

n = 8,233 9,562

Q3b. Why did you choose TAFE instead of studying with a private training provider? (Please select all that apply)4

Location of TAFE n/a 33.2%

Reputation of TAFE n/a 28.7%

Good facilities and resources at TAFE n/a 25.6%

Cost of the course n/a 24.4%

Quality of the course n/a 20.6%

Flexible course options (e.g. online learning, part-time study options) n/a 19.6%

Quality of the lecturers n/a 19.3%

Access to information about the course n/a 13.3%

Other (various mentions) n/a 4.9%

I did not consider a private training provider n/a 19.4%

n = n/a 9,414

1 The data in the training provider overview reflect the actual WA State student population (based on weighting).


3 The results to question 3a exclude students who answered ‘No – I didn't choose the place, my employer or someone else chose it for me’ in question 2.

4 Question 3b is new in 2016. The results exclude students who answered ‘No – I didn't choose the place, my employer or someone else chose it for me’ in question 2, and the question was not asked of WAAPA students.


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2015 (7 point Likert scale) State 2015 State 2016 2016 (5 point Likert scale)

Q4-Q11 (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of the following factors at your current training provider.

Q4. The quality of lecturers

NET: Not satisfied (1-3) 6.3% 5.1% NET: Dissatisfied (1-2)

1 - Not at all satisfied 1.3% 1.8% 1 – Very dissatisfied

2 1.7% 3.3% 2

3 3.3%

4 6.6% 6.5% 3

5 15.0% 34.2% 4

6 27.9%

7 - Very satisfied 44.2% 54.2% 5 - Very satisfied

NET: Satisfied (5-7) 87.1% 88.4% NET: Satisfied (4-5)

Standardised Mean score 4.2 4.4 Mean score

n= 10,045 11,930

Q5. The facilities available at your training provider



2 1.6% 4.0% 2

3 3.7%

4 8.6% 9.7% 3

5 17.8% 44.1% 4

6 30.6%




n= 9,668 11,572

Q6. The cost of your course1



2 7.4% 14.9% 2

3 10.8%

4 17.6% 25.8% 3

5 22.0% 38.6% 4

6 17.4%




n= 7,743 8,726



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Q7. The information and customer service provided by staff in student services



2 2.1% 4.0% 2

3 4.1%

4 9.0% 12.4% 3

5 19.5% 43.5% 4

6 28.4%




n= 9,911 11,692

Q8. The reputation of the training provider



2 1.0% 1.8% 2

3 2.5%

4 7.6% 12.1% 3

5 17.6% 44.7% 4

6 32.1%



Standardised Mean score 4.2 4.2 (Standardised) Mean score

n= 9,887 11,722

Q9. Campus safety and security measures



2 0.8% 2.1% 2

3 2.4%

4 7.5% 13.0% 3

5 17.4% 43.7% 4

6 30.9%




n= 9,193 11,040


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Q10. How convenient the training provider’s location is



2 2.4% 3.9% 2

3 4.4%

4 8.1% 10.8% 3

5 14.0% 34.5% 4

6 22.7%




n= 9,782 11,489

Q11. How likely it is that your course will lead to a job/career



2 1.6% 2.6% 2

3 3.1%

4 8.1% 11.9% 3

5 15.6% 33.8% 4

6 24.8%




n= 9,786 11,307


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Q12-Q16 (Agreement). The following statements are about your experiences at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement.

Q12. It was easy to find out about my course

NET: Disagree (1-3) 6.5% 5.1% NET: Disagree (1-2)

1 – Strongly disagree 1.2% 1.1% 1 – Strongly disagree

2 1.7% 4.0% 2

3 3.6%

4 9.2% 9.7% 3

5 18.8% 54.8% 4

6 29.3%

7 – Strongly agree 36.3% 30.3% 5 – Strongly agree

NET: Agree (5-7) 84.4% 85.2% NET: Agree (4-5)


n= 10,029 11,852

Q13. I am gaining the skills I want to learn from my course



2 1.2% 2.5% 2

3 2.9%

4 6.4% 6.5% 3

5 14.9% 44.9% 4

6 29.8%



Standardised Mean score 4.3 4.3 (Standardised) Mean score

n= 10,147 11,964

Q14. I receive regular feedback throughout my course on my progress



2 3.2% 6.4% 2

3 5.3%

4 9.8% 12.6% 3

5 18.0% 43.8% 4

6 26.3%




n= 10,062 11,826


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Q12-Q16 (Agreement). The following statements are about your experiences at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement.

Q15.The way I am assessed is a fair test of my skills and knowledge



2 1.4% 3.6% 2

3 2.6%

4 7.8% 8.6% 3

5 15.6% 47.1% 4

6 30.7%




n= 10,143 11,946

Q16. I have access to the equipment necessary for my training



2 1.5% 3.2% 2

3 3.2%

4 7.1% 8.2% 3

5 15.6% 46.0% 4

6 28.6%




n= 9,773 11,620


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Q17-22 (Agreement). The following statements are about the quality of resources at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement.

Q17. Learning resources are up to date and relevant to my studies



2 2.2% 5.4% 2

3 4.4%

4 8.7% 11.1% 3

5 19.2% 50.5% 4

6 29.4%




n= 9,630 11,750

Q18. The computers and software available on campus are suitable for my needs



2 2.0% 4.5% 2

3 4.2%

4 8.9% 12.4% 3

5 17.9% 48.9% 4

6 28.1%




n= 8,421 10,367

Q19. Library services have up to date and useful resources that help me with my studies1



2 2.1% 3.8% 2

3 4.4%

4 11.8% 20.4% 3

5 20.9% 45.4% 4

6 27.9%




n= 7,442 9,549



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Q17-22 (Agreement). The following statements are about the quality of resources at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement.

Q20. The library services provided help me with my studies1



2 2.1% 5.1% 2

3 4.3%

4 11.3% 25.4% 3

5 20.2% 40.6% 4

6 26.9%




n= 7,514 9,243

Q21. The overall campus is a pleasant place to learn



2 0.9% 1.8% 2

3 2.4%

4 6.4% 8.5% 3

5 16.7% 48.6% 4

6 32.5%




n= 9,134 10,995

Q22. The campus buildings are well maintained



2 1.4% 4.3% 2

3 3.4%

4 9.1% 11.5% 3

5 19.8% 49.2% 4

6 29.8%




n= 9,184 11,040


.


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Q23 (Satisfaction). Overall, how satisfied are you with your course?1

NET: Not satisfied (1-2) 3.9%- 4.6%+

1 – Very Dissatisfied 1.3% 1.4%

2 2.6%- 3.3%+

3 8.3%+ 6.5%-

4 45.3% 44.0%

5 - Very satisfied 42.5%- 44.8%+

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 87.8%- 88.9%+

Mean Score 4.3 4.3

n= 10,256 12,060

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant changes in results from the previous year.


Q25a-Q34a (Awareness). Which of the following services offered by your training provider are you aware of?1

Flexible learning options 73.0% 73.5%

Flexible assessment 74.8% 75.4%

Literacy and numeracy support 71.0%- 73.2%+

Financial assistance 66.6%- 68.0%+

Career advice and planning 60.0% 60.7%

Other counselling services 51.9%- 54.7%+

A mentor/person to support me during my studies 56.7% 57.6%

English language assistance (for ESL) 64.8%- 66.7%+

Customised equipment/adjustments for physical access 66.1% 66.6%

Reasonable adjustment/accommodation 47.2%- 49.1%+

Q25b-Q34b (Usage). Which of the following services have you used? (Rebased on total)1

Flexible learning options 35.3% 35.5%

Flexible assessment 34.7% 34.9%

Literacy and numeracy support 12.8% 13.6%

Financial assistance 27.3% 27.8%

Career advice and planning 17.8% 17.6%

Other counselling services 7.1% 7.6%

A mentor/person to support me during my studies 18.4% 18.6%

English language assistance (for ESL) 5.5%- 6.2%+

Customised equipment/adjustments for physical access 12.7% 12.6%

Reasonable adjustment/accommodation 5.9%- 6.6%+

n= 10,256 12,060

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant changes in scores from the previous year.


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Q25c-Q34c (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of these services at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you are not at all satisfied or very satisfied.

Q25c. Flexible learning options



2 1.1% 2.5% 2

3 1.9%

4 5.8% 6.9% 3

5 15.2% 45.2% 4

6 28.4%




n= 3,866 4,490

Q26c. Flexible assessment



2 0.4% 1.0% 2

3 0.6%

4 4.7% 4.5% 3

5 13.9% 46.1% 4

6 28.2%




n= 3,665 4,303

Q27c. Literacy and numeracy support



2 0.4% 1.2% 2

3 1.7%

4 7.5% 6.1% 3

5 18.0% 53.5% 4

6 26.1%




n= 1,293 1,586


21



Q28c. Financial assistance



2 0.7% 2.1% 2

3 2.7%

4 8.3% 9.9% 3

5 17.6% 48.4% 4

6 24.0%




n= 2,899 3,406

Q29c. Career advice and planning



2 0.7% 1.5% 2

3 1.5%

4 6.5% 7.8% 3

5 16.8% 49.6% 4

6 28.3%




n= 1,787 2,073

Q30c. Other counselling services



2 1.1% 0.8% 2

3 2.1%

4 7.9% 10.8% 3

5 15.2% 50.2% 4

6 26.4%




n= 717 896


22



Q31c. A mentor/person to support me during my studies



2 0.4% 0.4% 2

3 1.0%

4 4.5% 5.5% 3

5 12.3% 44.6% 4

6 25.8%




n= 1,865 2,226

Q32c. English language assistance (for ESL)



2 0.2% 1.1% 2

3 1.2%

4 8.8% 6.0% 3

5 11.1% 54.2% 4

6 23.6%




n= 543 707

Q33c. Customised equipment/adjustments for physical access



2 0.3% 0.8% 2

3 1.6%

4 6.2% 7.5% 3

5 18.1% 55.3% 4

6 27.4%




n= 1,274 1,486


23



Q34c. Reasonable adjustment/accommodation



2 0.8% 1.2% 2

3 1.8%

4 6.4% 7.0% 3

5 15.1% 53.8% 4

6 29.5%




n= 542 729


Q35. How much online-learning is in your course?1 2

(Nearly) All (90% to 100%) 12.3% 11.5%

Most (about 75%) 8.3%- 12.1%+

Half (about 50%) 12.9%- 16.2%+

Some (about 25%) 30.2%- 31.7%+

None (0%) 36.4%+ 28.5%-

NET: More than half (All + Most) 20.6%- 23.6%+

NET: Online learning in course (Some - All) 63.6%- 71.5%+

n= 9,905 12,052

1 This question was not asked in 2015. 2014 data have been provided for comparison purposes.

2 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant changes in scores from the 2014 scores.


24


Q36-Q38 (Agreement). Please rate the extent to which you strongly disagree or strongly agree with each statement with regards to the online learning you receive. (Detailed)

1

Q36. Online learning suits my needs



2 6.2% 7.6% 2

3 8.7%

4 17.0% 24.1% 3

5 18.6% 42.8% 4

6 17.0%




n= 6,200 8,450

Q37. I receive adequate support to help me with online learning



2 4.5% 6.5% 2

3 7.6%

4 15.9% 23.4% 3

5 21.9% 47.3% 4

6 20.3%




n= 6,076 8,246

Q38. I would like to see more online learning in my course



2 10.4% 16.7% 2

3 11.9%

4 20.8% 40.5% 3

5 17.6% 24.6% 4

6 11.8%




n= 5,841 8,141

1 These questions were not asked in 2015. 2014 data have been provided for comparison purposes.


25


Q39. Did your training provider tell you about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?1

Yes 62.9% 63.8%

No 37.1% 36.2%

n= 9,900 12,053

Q40. Did you apply for RPL for your current course?1

Yes 21.2% 20.6%

No 78.8% 79.4%

n= 9,900 12,054

Q41. Did you receive any RPL for your current course?1 2

Yes 81.6% 82.0%

No 18.4% 18.0%

n= 2,063 2,483

1 These questions were not asked in 2015. 2014 data have been provided for comparison purposes.

2 The results to question 41 exclude students who answered ‘No’ in question 40.


Q42. How would you rate the application process when you applied to get RPL? Please rate the extent to which the application process was very difficult or very easy.

1 2

NET: Difficult (1-3) 15.8% 13.5% NET: Difficult (1-2)

1 – Very difficult 4.8% 4.5% 1 – Very difficult

2 4.2% 9.0% 2

3 6.8%

4 13.4% 25.1% 3

5 15.8% 35.0% 4

6 20.1%

7 – Very Easy 35.0% 26.4% 5 – Very Easy

NET: Easy (5-7) 70.8% 61.4% NET: Easy (4-5)


n= 1,960 2,339




Q43. Who paid for your course fees?1

I did 52.0% 51.9%

My employer 24.1% 23.5%

Parent/partner/family/friends 16.8% 16.5%

VET FEE-HELP 11.2% 11.3%

Centrelink 3.6% 3.6%

Government 2.4% 2.2%

Employment agency/Career Advisory Service 1.8%+ 1.0%-

Training provider advisor 0.7% 0.4%

School teacher/school counsellors 1.2%+ 0.2%-

Other (various mentions) 0.8%- 1.3%+

No fees were charged (e.g. scholarship) 0.6% 0.4%

n= 10,256 12,043

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant changes in scores from the previous year.


26


Q44. Before you enrolled did you know what the total fees of your course would be?1 2 3

Yes 55.8%- 62.9%+

No 44.2%+ 37.1%-

n= 8,757 10,936


2 The results to question 44 exclude students who indicated that they did not pay fees/were not charged.

3 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant changes in scores from 2014.


Q45. How easy or difficult was it to access information about the fees for your course?1 2

NET: Difficult (1-3) 18.9% 11.7% NET: Difficult (1-2)

1 – Very difficult 4.9% 2.5% 1 – Very difficult

2 5.5% 9.2% 2

3 8.4%

4 14.2% 24.4% 3

5 16.9% 40.7% 4

6 18.8%

7 – Very Easy 31.2% 23.2% 5 – Very Easy

NET: Easy (5-7) 66.9% 63.9% NET: Easy (4-5)


n= 8,539 10,606




Q46. Did cost influence your decision about which course to study?1 2

Yes, I chose a course I could afford rather than the course I really wanted to do n/a 14.2%

Yes, I chose a course eligible for VET FEE-HELP n/a 7.6%

No n/a 78.2%

n= n/a 10,372

1 This question was new in 2016.



Q47. Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia?1

Yes, Australian citizen/permanent resident 97.5%+ 96.7%-

No, neither of the above 2.5%- 3.3%+

n= 10,256 12,060

Q48. Please answer the following questions with ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ (All ‘Yes’ responses)

Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin? 5.2% 5.0%

Do you live 100 kilometres or more from your training provider? 13.4%- 16.5%+

Have you lived in Australia for 5 years or less? 27.2%- 30.7%+

Is English your first language? 82.7%+ 81.3%-

Do you have a disability, impairment or long-term condition? 8.2% 7.8%

Does your disability, impairment or long-term condition affect your

studies? (rebased on all) 4.2% 4.2%




27

12. Detailed tables: 2016 State level and socio-demographic groups State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students

Students with disability

QA. Please indicate at which one of the following training providers you studied your main course this year?1 2

South Metro TAFE 41.5% 32.5%- 71.6%+ 26.0%- 34.2%-

North Metro TAFE 26.4% 32.3%+ 6.9%- 12.0%- 30.3%+

South Regional TAFE 14.7% 15.7%+ 11.3%- 8.8%- 18.9%+

Central Regional TAFE 9.8% 10.6% 7.2%- 14.3%+ 10.3%

North Regional TAFE 6.9% 8.1%+ 3.1%- 37.9%+ 5.6%

WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) 0.6% 0.8% 0.0%- 1.0% 0.6%

QB. Are you an apprentice or trainee?1

Yes, an apprentice 21.5% 0.0%- 93.4%+ 17.9%- 10.1%-

Yes, a trainee 1.5% 0.0%- 6.6%+ 4.2%+ 1.4%

Neither 76.9% 100.0%+ 0.0%- 77.9% 88.5%+

Q1. What is your main intention with your course?1

To complete some subjects/units only 13.5% 16.7%+ 2.8%- 22.0%+ 20.9%+

To complete an entire qualification 86.5% 83.3%- 97.2%+ 78.0%- 79.1%-

Q2. Did you consider doing your course somewhere else? Select the ONE option that best describes your situation.1

NET: No 67.8% 62.3%- 86.1%+ 83.2%+ 64.8%

No – I didn't choose the place, my employer or someone else chose it for me

24.6% 12.7%- 64.3%+ 42.5%+ 19.3%-

No – I did not look for other places offering this course

43.2% 49.6%+ 21.8%- 40.7% 45.5%

Yes – I looked for other places offering this course and found at least one other place

22.8% 26.3%+ 11.2%- 11.2%- 23.1%

Yes – I looked for other places offering this course, but I didn't find any other places

9.4% 11.4%+ 2.8%- 5.6%- 12.1%+

NET: Yes 32.2% 37.7%+ 13.9%- 16.8%- 35.2%

TOTAL SAMPLE 12,060 9,874 2,186 545 958

Q3a. Which of the following factors was the MOST important when choosing where to study? (one option only)1 3

Location of the training provider 30.2% 28.8%- 41.0%+ 27.5% 29.9%

Flexible course options (e.g. online learning, part-time study options)

11.5% 12.5%+ 3.1%- 13.1% 11.0%

Reputation of training provider 10.6% 10.7% 9.8% 8.1% 9.2%

Quality of course 10.4% 10.9% 6.8%- 13.0% 9.1%

Good facilities and resources at the training provider

9.6% 9.3% 12.0%+ 11.0% 9.0%

Cost of the course 6.8% 7.4% 1.7%- 6.8% 6.7%

Quality of lecturers 6.7% 6.1% 11.4%+ 5.4% 5.9%

Access to information about the course 2.1% 2.2% 1.4% 2.0% 1.6%

I had no choice, they were the only place offering the course

12.1% 12.1% 12.9% 13.2% 17.4%+

n = 9,562 8,775 787 337 802

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant differences between each of the subgroups and the State 2016 average.

2 The data in the training provider overview reflect the actual WA State student population (based on weighting).

3 The results to question 3a exclude students who answered ‘No – I didn't choose the place, my employer or someone else chose it for me’ in question 2.


28

State 2016 IBS EBS Aboriginal students


Q3b. Why did you choose TAFE instead of studying with a private training provider? (Please select all that apply)1 2

Location of TAFE 33.2% 33.6% 30.6% 34.7% 33.0%

Reputation of TAFE 28.7% 29.6% 20.9%- 22.2%- 26.4%

Good facilities and resources at TAFE 25.6% 25.4% 27.2% 28.0% 24.7%

Cost of the course 24.4% 26.0%+ 11.4%- 21.8% 25.7%

Quality of the course 20.6% 21.2% 15.8%- 19.8% 18.8%

Flexible course options 19.6% 21.2%+ 6.8%- 17.9% 16.1%-

Quality of the lecturers 19.3% 19.4% 18.3% 22.2% 19.1%

Access to information about the course 13.3% 13.9% 9.1%- 13.6% 12.4%

Other (various mentions) 4.9% 4.7% 5.9% 5.8% 6.6%

I did not consider a private training provider 19.4% 18.3% 28.8%+ 20.6% 23.7%+

n = 9,414 8,626 788 326 788

1 Question 3b is new in 2016. The results exclude students who answered ‘No – I didn't choose the place, my employer or someone else chose it for me’ in question 2, and the question was not asked of WAAPA students.

2 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant differences between each of the subgroups and the State 2016 average.

Summary: WA State Results 2016 The quality of lecturers

The facilities available at your training provider The cost of your course1

The information and customer service

provided by staff in student services

Q4-Q11 (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of the following factors at your current training provider. (Summary)

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 5.1% 5.5% 19.5% 5.9%

1 – Very dissatisfied 1.8% 1.4% 4.5% 2.0%

2 3.3% 4.0% 14.9% 4.0%

3 6.5% 9.7% 25.8% 12.4%

4 34.2% 44.1% 38.6% 43.5%

5 - Very satisfied 54.2% 40.7% 16.1% 38.2%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 88.4% 84.8% 54.7% 81.7%

Mean score 4.4 4.2 3.5 4.1

n= 11,930 11,572 8,726 11,692

1 The results for ‘cost of your course’ are exclusive of students who did not pay their course fees themselves.

Summary: WA State Results 2016

The reputation of the training provider

Campus safety and security measures

How convenient the training provider’s

location is

How likely it is that your course will lead to

a job/career

Q4-Q11 (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of the following factors at your current training provider. (Summary)

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 3.0% 3.2% 5.8% 4.0%

1 – Very dissatisfied 1.1% 1.1% 1.8% 1.5%

2 1.8% 2.1% 3.9% 2.6%

3 12.1% 13.0% 10.8% 11.9%

4 44.7% 43.7% 34.5% 33.8%

5 - Very satisfied 40.2% 40.1% 49.0% 50.3%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 84.9% 83.8% 83.5% 84.1%

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.3

n= 11,722 11,040 11,489 11,307


29

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q4-Q11 (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of the following factors at your current training provider. (Detailed)

1

Q4. The quality of lecturers

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 5.1% 5.5% 3.9%- 5.3% 5.9%

1 – Very dissatisfied 1.8% 2.0% 1.1% 2.1% 2.1%

2 3.3% 3.5% 2.7% 3.2% 3.8%

3 6.5% 6.6% 6.4% 2.9% 7.6%

4 34.2% 33.0% 38.2% 32.5% 31.3%

5 - Very satisfied 54.2% 55.0% 51.5% 59.3% 55.3%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 88.4% 87.9% 89.8%+ 91.8%+ 86.5%

Mean score 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.3

n= 11,930 9,765 2,165 541 946

Q5. The facilities available at your training provider

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 5.5% 5.3% 6.0% 3.6%- 7.4%+


2 4.0% 3.7% 5.0% 2.4% 5.5%

3 9.7% 9.2% 11.5% 7.2% 11.4%

4 44.1% 43.4% 46.4% 41.8% 40.5%

5 - Very satisfied 40.7% 42.1% 36.1% 47.3% 40.7%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 84.8% 85.6% 82.5%- 89.2%+ 81.2%-

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.3 4.1

n= 11,572 9,427 2,145 535 927

Q6. The cost of your course2

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 19.5% 18.8% 23.0%+ 16.1% 22.0%


2 14.9% 14.5% 17.4% 13.0% 15.6%

3 25.8% 23.9% 35.7% 22.4% 23.8%

4 38.6% 40.0% 31.4% 36.8% 34.7%

5 - Very satisfied 16.1% 17.3% 10.0% 24.7% 19.4%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 54.7% 57.3%+ 41.4%- 61.5%+ 54.2%

Mean score 3.5 3.5 3.2 3.7 3.5

n= 8,726 7,685 1,041 298 734

Q7. The information and customer service provided by staff in student services

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 5.9% 6.0% 5.9% 6.1% 8.4%+


2 4.0% 3.9% 4.4% 4.4% 5.6%

3 12.4% 11.9% 13.9% 9.5% 14.5%

4 43.5% 42.3% 47.5% 44.5% 38.0%

5 - Very satisfied 38.2% 39.8% 32.7% 39.9% 39.1%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 81.7% 82.2% 80.2% 84.4%+ 77.1%-

Mean score 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.2 4.1

n = 11,692 9,568 2,124 525 927

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant differences between the NET results of each of the subgroups and the NET results of the State 2016.



30

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q4-Q11 (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of the following factors at your current training provider. (Detailed)

1

Q8. The reputation of the training provider



2 1.8% 1.7% 2.5% 2.2% 2.8%

3 12.1% 11.4% 14.3% 8.6% 13.8%

4 44.7% 43.9% 47.2% 44.6% 41.3%

5 - Very satisfied 40.2% 41.7% 35.1% 42.9% 40.4%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 84.9% 85.7% 82.3%- 87.4% 81.6%-

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.2 4.2

n= 11,722 9,578 2,144 537 916

Q9. Campus safety and security measures



2 2.1% 2.0% 2.5% 2.7% 3.6%

3 13.0% 12.9% 13.5% 10.1% 15.5%

4 43.7% 43.2% 45.2% 44.4% 37.1%

5 - Very satisfied 40.1% 40.8% 37.7% 41.7% 42.5%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 83.8% 84.0% 83.0% 86.1% 79.6%-

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.2

n= 11,040 8,960 2,080 505 887

Q10. How convenient the training provider’s location is

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 5.8% 4.6%- 9.4%+ 4.8% 8.2%+


2 3.9% 3.1% 6.6% 3.5% 5.2%

3 10.8% 9.9% 13.6% 10.4% 11.4%

4 34.5% 34.9% 33.2% 37.8% 30.9%

5 - Very satisfied 49.0% 50.6% 43.8% 46.9% 49.5%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 83.5% 85.4%+ 77.0%- 84.8% 80.4%-

Mean score 4.2 4.3 4.1 4.3 4.2

n= 11,489 9,361 2,128 528 914

Q11. How likely it is that your course will lead to a job/career

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 4.0% 4.8%+ 1.7%- 4.4% 6.4%+


2 2.6% 3.2% 0.6% 2.4% 3.9%

3 11.9% 14.4% 3.6% 8.1% 15.7%

4 33.8% 37.5% 21.9% 28.7% 34.3%

5 - Very satisfied 50.3% 43.3% 72.8% 58.9% 43.5%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 84.1% 80.8%- 94.7%+ 87.5%+ 77.8%-

Mean score 4.3 4.2 4.6 4.4 4.1

n = 11,307 9,194 2,113 523 875



31


It was easy to find out about my course

I am gaining the skills I want to learn from

my course

I receive regular feedback throughout

my course on my progress

The way I am assessed is a fair test

of my skills and knowledge

I have access to the equipment necessary

for my training

Q12-Q16 (Agreement). The following statements are about your experiences at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement. (Summary)

NET: Disagree (1-2) 5.1% 3.5% 8.4% 4.9% 4.2%

1 – Strongly disagree 1.1% 1.0% 2.1% 1.4% 0.9%

2 4.0% 2.5% 6.4% 3.6% 3.2%

3 9.7% 6.5% 12.6% 8.6% 8.2%

4 54.8% 44.9% 43.8% 47.1% 46.0%

5 – Strongly agree 30.3% 45.0% 35.2% 39.3% 41.6%

NET: Agree (4-5) 85.2% 90.0% 78.9% 86.4% 87.6%

Mean score 4.1 4.3 4.0 4.2 4.2

n= 11,852 11,964 11,826 11,946 11,620

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students

Students with

disability

Q12-Q16 (Agreement). The following statements are about your experiences at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement. (Detailed)

1

Q12. It was easy to find out about my course

NET: Disagree (1-2) 5.1% 5.4% 4.1%- 4.3% 8.1%+


2 4.0% 4.2% 3.5% 3.1% 6.4%

3 9.7% 8.8% 12.9% 9.5% 12.5%

4 54.8% 54.2% 57.0% 51.6% 49.6%

5 – Strongly agree 30.3% 31.6% 26.1% 34.6% 29.8%

NET: Agree (4-5) 85.2% 85.8% 83.1%- 86.2% 79.3%-

Mean score 4.1 4.1 4.0 4.2 4.0

n= 11,852 9,744 2,108 535 937

Q13. I am gaining the skills I want to learn from my course

NET: Disagree (1-2) 3.5% 3.8% 2.7%- 2.4% 5.3%+


2 2.5% 2.7% 1.9% 1.4% 3.4%

3 6.5% 6.5% 6.3% 3.1% 8.2%

4 44.9% 44.9% 45.1% 39.0% 42.6%

5 – Strongly agree 45.0% 44.8% 45.9% 55.5% 43.9%

NET: Agree (4-5) 90.0% 89.7% 91.0% 94.5%+ 86.5%-

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.5 4.2

n= 11,964 9,784 2,180 540 949

Q14. I receive regular feedback throughout my course on my progress

NET: Disagree (1-2) 8.4% 8.7% 7.4% 6.5% 11.6%+


2 6.4% 6.6% 5.6% 4.8% 8.1%

3 12.6% 12.4% 13.5% 11.6% 13.2%

4 43.8% 43.2% 45.7% 44.3% 38.6%

5 – Strongly agree 35.2% 35.7% 33.4% 37.6% 36.6%

NET: Agree (4-5) 78.9% 78.9% 79.1% 81.9% 75.2%-

Mean score 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.1 4.0

n= 11,826 9,656 2,170 537 946



32

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students

Students with

disability

Q12-Q16 (Agreement). The following statements are about your experiences at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement. (Detailed)

1

Q15.The way I am assessed is a fair test of my skills and knowledge

NET: Disagree (1-2) 4.9% 5.1% 4.3% 3.0%- 8.0%+


2 3.6% 3.7% 3.0% 2.8% 6.4%

3 8.6% 8.8% 8.2% 6.1% 10.9%

4 47.1% 46.5% 49.0% 47.7% 42.1%

5 – Strongly agree 39.3% 39.6% 38.5% 43.1% 39.0%

NET: Agree (4-5) 86.4% 86.1% 87.6% 90.8%+ 81.1%-

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.1

n= 11,946 9,774 2,172 542 943

Q16. I have access to the equipment necessary for my training

NET: Disagree (1-2) 4.2% 4.0% 4.9% 3.8% 6.7%+


2 3.2% 3.0% 3.9% 3.2% 4.9%

3 8.2% 8.5% 7.2% 6.7% 9.1%

4 46.0% 45.5% 47.7% 43.0% 42.3%

5 – Strongly agree 41.6% 42.1% 40.2% 46.5% 41.8%

NET: Agree (4-5) 87.6% 87.5% 87.9% 89.5% 84.2%-

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.3 4.2

n= 11,620 9,450 2,170 536 916



Learning Resources are up to date and relevant to my

studies

The computers and software available on

campus suit my needs

Library services have up to date

and useful resources that

help me with my studies

The library services

provided help me with my

studies

The overall campus is a

pleasant place to learn

The campus buildings are

well maintained

Q17-22 (Agreement). The following statements are about the quality of resources at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement. (Summary)

NET: Disagree (1-2) 6.8% 6.1% 5.2% 7.0% 2.4% 5.5%

1 – Strongly disagree 1.5% 1.6% 1.4% 1.9% 0.5% 1.2%

2 5.4% 4.5% 3.8% 5.1% 1.8% 4.3%

3 11.1% 12.4% 20.4% 25.4% 8.5% 11.5%

4 50.5% 48.9% 45.4% 40.6% 48.6% 49.2%

5 – Strongly agree 31.6% 32.6% 29.0% 27.0% 40.5% 33.8%

NET: Agree (4-5) 82.1% 81.5% 74.4% 67.6% 89.1% 83.0%

Mean score 4.1 4.1 4.0 3.9 4.3 4.1

n= 11,750 10,367 9,549 9,243 10,995 11,040


33

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q17-22 (Agreement). The following statements are about the quality of resources at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement. (Detailed)

1

Q17. Learning resources are up to date and relevant to my studies

NET: Disagree (1-2) 6.8% 6.4% 8.1%+ 4.0%- 10.4%+


2 5.4% 5.1% 6.3% 3.1% 7.9%

3 11.1% 10.5% 13.0% 8.9% 14.0%

4 50.5% 50.0% 52.0% 49.9% 44.0%

5 – Strongly agree 31.6% 33.0% 26.9% 37.2% 31.6%

NET: Agree (4-5) 82.1% 83.0% 78.9%- 87.1%+ 75.6%-

Mean score 4.1 4.1 4.0 4.2 3.9

n= 11,750 9,589 2,161 535 920

Q18. The computers and software available on campus are suitable for my needs

NET: Disagree (1-2) 6.1% 6.1% 6.0% 5.0% 8.8%+


2 4.5% 4.5% 4.6% 4.0% 6.2%

3 12.4% 11.1% 16.4% 11.1% 12.8%

4 48.9% 47.9% 52.0% 48.1% 45.9%

5 – Strongly agree 32.6% 34.8% 25.6% 35.9% 32.4%

NET: Agree (4-5) 81.5% 82.7%+ 77.6%- 84.0% 78.4%-

Mean score 4.1 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.0

n = 10,367 8,422 1,945 476 837

Q19. Library services have up to date and useful resources that help me with my studies2

NET: Disagree (1-2) 5.2% 4.9% 6.1% 4.4% 8.2%+


2 3.8% 3.7% 4.1% 3.1% 5.0%

3 20.4% 19.5% 23.4% 20.3% 21.9%

4 45.4% 45.1% 46.2% 42.6% 39.5%

5 – Strongly agree 29.0% 30.5% 24.3% 32.7% 30.4%

NET: Agree (4-5) 74.4% 75.6% 70.5%- 75.3% 69.9%-

Mean score 4.0 4.0 3.9 4.0 3.9

n= 9,549 7,754 1,795 441 774

Q20. The library services provided help me with my studies2

NET: Disagree (1-2) 7.0% 6.3% 9.2%+ 7.2% 9.7%+


2 5.1% 4.6% 6.7% 5.2% 5.8%

3 25.4% 23.8% 30.5% 25.6% 24.4%

4 40.6% 40.8% 39.8% 37.1% 35.4%

5 – Strongly agree 27.0% 29.1% 20.6% 30.1% 30.6%

NET: Agree (4-5) 67.6% 69.9%+ 60.3%- 67.2% 66.0%

Mean score 3.9 3.9 3.7 3.9 3.8

n= 9,243 7,528 1,715 428 746




34

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q17-22 (Agreement). The following statements are about the quality of resources at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you strongly agree or strongly disagree with each statement. (Detailed)

1

Q21. The overall campus is a pleasant place to learn

NET: Disagree (1-2) 2.4% 2.4% 2.3% 2.6% 4.4%+


2 1.8% 1.8% 1.8% 1.6% 3.4%

3 8.5% 8.2% 9.7% 7.1% 9.4%

4 48.6% 47.0% 53.5% 45.7% 43.8%

5 – Strongly agree 40.5% 42.4% 34.5% 44.7% 42.4%

NET: Agree (4-5) 89.1% 89.4% 88.0% 90.4% 86.2%-

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.2

n= 10,995 8,922 2,073 501 892

Q22. The campus buildings are well maintained

NET: Disagree (1-2) 5.5% 5.5% 5.2% 3.5%- 8.6%+


2 4.3% 4.4% 4.0% 2.4% 6.6%

3 11.5% 11.1% 12.9% 7.8% 12.7%

4 49.2% 48.2% 52.3% 47.9% 42.0%

5 – Strongly agree 33.8% 35.2% 29.5% 40.9% 36.6%

NET: Agree (4-5) 83.0% 83.4% 81.9% 88.7%+ 78.7%-

Mean score 4.1 4.1 4.0 4.3 4.0

n = 11,040 8,963 2,077 500 895


State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q23 (Satisfaction). Overall, how satisfied are you with your course?1

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 4.6% 5.0% 3.4%- 2.4%- 7.5%+


2 3.3% 3.6% 2.2% 1.7% 5.4%

3 6.5% 6.5% 6.4% 6.1% 9.5%

4 44.0% 43.1% 47.2% 37.7% 39.7%

5 - Very satisfied 44.8% 45.4% 42.9% 53.8% 43.4%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 88.9% 88.5% 90.2% 91.5%+ 83.0%-

Mean Score 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.2

n= 12,060 9,874 2,186 545 958



35

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q25a-Q34a (Awareness). Which of the following services offered by your training provider are you aware of?1

Flexible learning options 73.5% 78.1%+ 58.3%- 70.1% 72.4%

Flexible assessment 75.4% 77.7%+ 67.9%- 75.1% 73.6%

Literacy and numeracy support 73.2% 73.0% 74.0% 77.8%+ 75.1%

Financial assistance 68.0% 68.0% 68.3% 67.3% 66.4%

Career advice and planning 60.7% 60.5% 61.4% 67.8%+ 60.5%

Other counselling services 54.7% 55.6% 51.8%- 61.5%+ 61.1%+

A mentor/person to support me 57.6% 56.3% 61.9%+ 69.6%+ 56.5%

English language assistance (for ESL) 66.7% 67.3% 64.5%- 69.7% 68.6%

Customised equipment/adjustments for physical access

66.6% 66.6% 66.5% 70.0% 69.9%+

Reasonable adjustment/ accommodation

49.1% 48.5% 51.4%+ 55.3%+ 53.6%+

Q25b-Q34b (Usage). Which of the following services have you used? (Rebased on total)1

Flexible learning options 35.5% 41.1%+ 17.0%- 36.9% 35.3%

Flexible assessment 34.9% 38.5%+ 22.6%- 41.1%+ 40.4%+

Literacy and numeracy support 13.6% 14.1% 11.8%- 23.3%+ 20.1%+

Financial assistance 27.8% 29.8%+ 21.0%- 32.2%+ 31.3%+

Career advice and planning 17.6% 18.5% 14.6%- 27.4%+ 18.8%

Other counselling services 7.6% 8.4%+ 4.8%- 17.0%+ 15.7%+

A mentor/person to support me 18.6% 19.4% 16.1%- 33.1%+ 26.9%+

English language assistance (for ESL) 6.2% 6.8% 4.0%- 11.9%+ 7.2%

Customised equipment or adjustments for physical access

12.6% 13.7%+ 9.1%- 22.9%+ 17.3%+

Reasonable adjustment/ accommodation

6.6% 6.7% 6.1% 14.6%+ 10.3%+

TOTAL SAMPLE 12,060 9,874 2,186 545 958



Flexible learning options Flexible assessment

Literacy and numeracy support Financial assistance

Career advice and planning

Q25c-Q34c (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of these services at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you are not at all satisfied or very satisfied. (Summary)

NET: Dissatisfied (1-2) 3.7% 1.5% 1.7% 3.1% 2.3%


2 2.5% 1.0% 1.2% 2.1% 1.5%

3 6.9% 4.5% 6.1% 9.9% 7.8%

4 45.2% 46.1% 53.5% 48.4% 49.6%

5 - Very satisfied 44.1% 47.9% 38.8% 38.6% 40.3%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 89.3% 94.0% 92.3% 87.0% 89.9%

Mean score 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.3

n= 4,490 4,303 1,586 3,406 2,073


36


Other counselling services

A mentor or person to support me

during my studies

English language assistance where English is not the

first language

Customised equipment or

adjustments for physical access

Reasonable adjustment/

accommodation

Q25c-Q34c (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of these services at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you are not at all satisfied or very satisfied. (Summary)



2 0.8% 0.4% 1.1% 0.8% 1.2%

3 10.8% 5.5% 6.0% 7.5% 7.0%

4 50.2% 44.6% 54.2% 55.3% 53.8%

5 - Very satisfied 37.3% 48.9% 38.0% 36.0% 37.5%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 87.5% 93.5% 92.2% 91.3% 91.3%

Mean score 4.2 4.4 4.3 4.3 4.3

n= 896 2,226 707 1,486 729

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q25c-Q34c (Satisfaction). Please rate how satisfied you are with each of these services at your training provider. Please rate the extent to which you are not at all satisfied or very satisfied. (Detailed)

1

Q25c. Flexible learning options



2 2.5% 2.6% 1.5% 1.4% 2.2%

3 6.9% 6.6% 9.8% 5.9% 5.3%

4 45.2% 44.3% 52.3% 56.5% 46.2%

5 - Very satisfied 44.1% 45.2% 35.3% 35.8% 45.1%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 89.3% 89.6% 87.6% 92.3% 91.3%

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.3

n= 4,490 4,091 399 209 347

Q26c. Flexible assessment



2 1.0% 1.0% 0.6% 2.6% 2.5%

3 4.5% 4.2% 6.0% 8.6% 4.1%

4 46.1% 45.3% 50.6% 50.0% 45.1%

5 - Very satisfied 47.9% 48.9% 42.2% 38.8% 47.5%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 94.0% 94.2% 92.7% 88.7%- 92.6%

Mean score 4.4 4.4 4.3 4.2 4.4

n= 4,303 3,782 521 235 383

Q27c. Literacy and numeracy support



2 1.2% 1.3% 0.6% 0.6% 3.3%

3 6.1% 5.9% 6.9% 3.6% 3.7%

4 53.5% 54.7% 48.7% 57.3% 45.0%

5 - Very satisfied 38.8% 37.5% 43.8% 37.9% 47.2%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 92.3% 92.2% 92.5% 95.2% 92.1%

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.4 4.3 4.3

n= 1,586 1,337 249 119 190



37

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students



1

Q28c. Financial assistance



2 2.1% 1.9% 3.0% 4.0% 4.2%

3 9.9% 9.1% 13.8% 11.3% 10.4%

4 48.4% 49.1% 45.3% 48.9% 43.6%

5 - Very satisfied 38.6% 39.0% 36.8% 35.3% 41.0%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 87.0% 88.0% 82.1%- 84.2% 84.5%

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.1 4.2

n= 3,406 2,960 446 174 298

Q29c. Career advice and planning



2 1.5% 1.7% 0.8% 1.4% 2.5%

3 7.8% 8.0% 7.0% 12.2% 7.7%

4 49.6% 49.8% 48.7% 51.4% 37.7%

5 - Very satisfied 40.3% 39.7% 42.9% 35.0% 49.6%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 89.9% 89.5% 91.6% 86.4% 87.3%

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.3

n= 2,073 1,765 308 146 173

Q30c. Other counselling services



2 0.8% 0.8% 1.2% 0.0% 2.5%

3 10.8% 10.2% 14.1% 22.3% 12.6%

4 50.2% 51.7% 41.2% 49.3% 41.2%

5 - Very satisfied 37.3% 36.5% 42.4% 28.3% 43.1%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 87.5% 88.2% 83.6% 77.7%- 84.3%

Mean score 4.2 4.2 4.2 4.1 4.2

n= 896 799 97 87 147

Q31c. A mentor/person to support me during my studies



2 0.4% 0.3% 0.6% 1.5% 0.8%

3 5.5% 4.7% 8.3% 7.3% 6.8%

4 44.6% 45.4% 41.3% 49.9% 38.9%

5 - Very satisfied 48.9% 48.8% 49.4% 41.4% 53.0%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 93.5% 94.2% 90.7%- 91.3% 92.0%

Mean score 4.4 4.4 4.4 4.3 4.4

n= 2,226 1,857 369 176 242



38

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students



1

Q32c. English language assistance (for ESL)



2 1.1% 1.1% 1.3% 0.0% 5.2%

3 6.0% 5.0% 12.0% 1.2% 7.7%

4 54.2% 56.1% 44.2% 62.7% 40.2%

5 - Very satisfied 38.0% 37.2% 42.5% 36.1% 45.6%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 92.2% 93.2% 86.7% 98.8% 85.8%

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.3 4.2

n= 707 626 81 56 64

Q33c. Customised equipment/adjustments for physical access



2 0.8% 0.7% 1.0% 2.7% 2.2%

3 7.5% 7.0% 9.9% 6.8% 8.6%

4 55.3% 55.3% 55.1% 52.0% 45.2%

5 - Very satisfied 36.0% 36.4% 34.0% 38.4% 43.9%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 91.3% 91.7% 89.1% 90.4% 89.2%

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.3

n= 1,486 1,299 187 112 162

Q34c. Reasonable adjustment/accommodation



2 1.2% 1.0% 1.8% 2.4% 3.0%

3 7.0% 5.7% 11.6% 1.8% 7.6%

4 53.8% 54.7% 50.8% 62.0% 39.8%

5 - Very satisfied 37.5% 38.2% 35.0% 33.7% 49.6%

NET: Satisfied (4-5) 91.3% 92.9% 85.8% 95.8% 89.4%

Mean score 4.3 4.3 4.2 4.3 4.4

n= 729 601 128 70 90



39

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q35. How much online-learning is in your course?1

(Nearly) All (90% to 100%) 11.5% 13.9% 3.6% 13.5% 15.5%

Most (about 75%) 12.1% 13.8% 6.3% 8.3% 11.4%

Half (about 50%) 16.2% 17.6% 11.7% 16.6% 18.6%

Some (about 25%) 31.7% 29.8% 38.1% 27.2% 26.8%

None (0%) 28.5% 24.9% 40.3% 34.4% 27.7%

NET: More than half (All + Most) 23.6% 27.7%+ 9.9%- 21.8% 26.9%+

NET: Online learning in course (Some - All) 71.5% 75.1%+ 59.7%- 65.6%- 72.3%

n= 12,052 9,868 2,184 541 957



Online learning suits my needs

I receive adequate support to help me with online learning

I would like to see more online learning in my course

Q36-Q38 (Agreement). Please rate the extent to which you strongly disagree or strongly agree with each statement with regards to the online learning you receive. (Summary)

NET: Disagree (1-2) 10.1% 8.5% 22.6%

1 – Strongly disagree 2.5% 2.0% 5.9%

2 7.6% 6.5% 16.7%

3 24.1% 23.4% 40.5%

4 42.8% 47.3% 24.6%

5 – Strongly agree 23.1% 20.7% 12.4%

NET: Agree (4-5) 65.9% 68.1% 36.9%

Mean score 3.8 3.8 3.2

n= 8,450 8,246 8,141


40

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q36-Q38 (Agreement). Please rate the extent to which you strongly disagree or strongly agree with each statement with regards to the online learning you receive. (Detailed)

1

Q36. Online learning suits my needs

NET: Disagree (1-2) 10.1% 9.8% 11.1% 9.5% 13.9%+


2 7.6% 7.4% 8.4% 6.5% 10.3%

3 24.1% 22.0% 33.1% 25.7% 22.1%

4 42.8% 42.6% 43.6% 43.6% 39.9%

5 – Strongly agree 23.1% 25.6% 12.2% 21.3% 24.1%

NET: Agree (4-5) 65.9% 68.2%+ 55.8%- 64.9% 64.0%

Mean score 3.8 3.8 3.5 3.7 3.7

n= 8,450 7,211 1,239 356 668

Q37. I receive adequate support to help me with online learning

NET: Disagree (1-2) 8.5% 8.5% 8.7% 9.2% 12.8%+


2 6.5% 6.6% 6.3% 7.0% 8.5%

3 23.4% 22.3% 28.2% 23.9% 24.9%

4 47.3% 46.9% 49.2% 45.9% 40.0%

5 – Strongly agree 20.7% 22.3% 13.9% 21.0% 22.3%

NET: Agree (4-5) 68.1% 69.2% 63.1%- 66.9% 62.3%-

Mean score 3.8 3.8 3.7 3.8 3.7

n= 8,246 7,046 1,200 348 649

Q38. I would like to see more online learning in my course

NET: Disagree (1-2) 22.6% 21.9% 25.3%+ 17.8%- 24.1%


2 16.7% 16.5% 17.8% 12.5% 15.9%

3 40.5% 39.8% 43.2% 40.8% 37.5%

4 24.6% 25.1% 22.3% 28.5% 23.6%

5 – Strongly agree 12.4% 13.1% 9.2% 12.9% 14.8%

NET: Agree (4-5) 36.9% 38.3% 31.4%- 41.4% 38.5%

Mean score 3.2 3.2 3.1 3.3 3.2

n= 8,141 6,905 1,236 350 652




Q39. Did your training provider tell you about Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)?1

Yes 63.8% 63.2% 66.0%+ 63.9% 60.6%-

No 36.2% 36.8% 34.0%- 36.1% 39.4%+

n= 12,053 9,869 2,184 542 957

Q40. Did you apply for RPL for your current course?1

Yes 20.6% 19.8% 23.1%+ 20.8% 17.2%-

No 79.4% 80.2% 76.9%- 79.2% 82.8%+

n= 12,054 9,870 2,184 542 957

Q41. Did you receive any RPL for your current course?1 2

Yes 82.0% 81.8% 82.7% 70.7%- 73.7%-

No 18.0% 18.2% 17.3% 29.3%+ 26.3%+

n= 2,483 1,967 516 111 171

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant differences between the results of each of the subgroups and

the results of the State 2016. 2

The results to question 41 exclude students who answered ‘No’ in question 40.


41

State 2016 IBS EBS

Aboriginal students


Q42. How would you rate the application process when you applied to get RPL? Please rate the extent to which the application process was very difficult or very easy. (Detailed)

1 2

NET: Difficult (1-2) 13.5% 14.1% 11.9% 9.4% 19.9%+

1 – Very difficult 4.5% 4.6% 4.3% 1.3% 6.9%

2 9.0% 9.4% 7.6% 8.1% 13.0%

3 25.1% 24.4% 27.1% 25.7% 34.6%

4 35.0% 34.5% 36.3% 44.9% 25.5%

5 – Very Easy 26.4% 27.0% 24.8% 20.0% 20.1%

NET: Easy (4-5) 61.4% 61.5% 61.0% 64.9% 45.5%-

Mean score 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.4

n= 2,339 1,852 487 102 160





Q43. Who paid for your course fees?1

I did 51.9% 55.3%+ 40.5%- 31.8%- 54.2%

My employer 23.5% 12.9%- 58.7%+ 36.5%+ 10.9%-

Parent/partner/family/friends 16.5% 19.9%+ 5.4%- 8.0%- 22.0%+

VET FEE-HELP 11.3% 14.6%+ 0.6%- 7.6%- 13.3%

Centrelink 3.6% 4.5%+ 0.4%- 5.5%+ 7.1%+

Government 2.2% 2.6% 0.7%- 8.3%+ 4.4%+

Employment agency/Career Advisory Service

1.0% 0.9% 1.2% 5.8%+ 2.3%+

Training provider advisor 0.4% 0.2% 0.8%+ 1.8%+ 0.3%

School teacher/school counsellors 0.2% 0.3% 0.0%- 0.9%+ 0.4%

Other (various mentions) 1.3% 1.4% 0.9% 3.3%+ 3.0%+

No fees were charged (e.g. scholarship)

0.4% 0.5% 0.1%- 1.8%+ 0.4%

n= 12,043 9,858 2,185 534 956

1 The ‘+’ and ‘-’ symbols indicate the direction of statistically significant differences between the results of each of the subgroups and the results of the State 2016.



Q44. Before you enrolled did you know what the total fees of your course would be?1

Yes 62.9% 69.4%+ 36.1%- 54.3%- 63.0%

No 37.1% 30.6%- 63.9%+ 45.7%+ 37.0%

n= 10,936 9,318 1,618 436 888




42



Q45. How easy or difficult was it to access information about the fees for your course?1

NET: Difficult (1-2) 11.7% 11.5% 12.4% 11.3% 16.4%+

1 – Very difficult 2.5% 2.3% 3.2% 1.9% 3.7%

2 9.2% 9.2% 9.1% 9.4% 12.7%

3 24.4% 22.7% 31.4% 21.1% 27.5%

4 40.7% 41.1% 39.1% 42.5% 33.8%

5 – Very Easy 23.2% 24.6% 17.2% 25.1% 22.3%

NET: Easy (4-5) 63.9% 65.8%+ 56.3%- 67.6% 56.1%-

Mean score 3.7 3.8 3.6 3.8 3.6

n= 10,606 9,053 1,553 419 855





Q46. Did cost influence your decision about which course to study?1

Yes, I chose a course I could afford rather than the course I really wanted to do

14.2% 16.3%+ 4.6%- 13.7% 19.0%+

Yes, I chose a course eligible for VET FEE help

7.6% 9.0%+ 1.1%- 8.0% 10.5%+

No 78.2% 74.7%- 94.2%+ 78.3% 70.4%-

n= 10,372 8,982 1,390 391 862





Q47. Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia?1

Yes, Australian citizen/permanent resident 96.7% 95.9%- 99.1%+ 99.6%+ 98.8%+

No, neither of the above 3.3% 4.1%+ 0.9%- 0.4%- 1.2%-

Q48. Please answer the following questions with ‘YES’ or ‘NO’ (All ‘Yes’ responses)

Are you of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin?

5.0% 5.0% 4.8% 100.0%+ 5.9%

Do you live 100 kilometres or more from your training provider?

16.5% 16.0% 18.3%+ 26.4%+ 16.9%

Have you lived in Australia for 5 years or less?

30.7% 31.4% 28.2%- 39.1%+ 27.5%-

Is English your first language? 81.3% 78.1%- 92.0%+ 95.8%+ 89.2%+

Do you have a disability, impairment or long-term condition?

7.8% 9.0%+ 3.9%- 9.4% 100.0%+

Does your disability, impairment or long-term condition affect your studies? (rebased on all)

4.2% 5.0%+ 1.7%- 5.1% 54.3%+

TOTAL SAMPLE 12,060 9,874 2,186 545 958



43

13. Detailed methodology

Project approach

The 2016 Student Satisfaction Survey fieldwork was conducted between Wednesday 7 September and Monday 21 November 2016.

The survey methodology used the following data collection techniques to maximise responses across the diverse student population:

Email: an email with a link to an online questionnaire was sent to all eligible students with a known and valid email address. Approximately 30,140 emails were sent on 7 September 2016 followed by several reminder emails. On 21 October 2016, a further 8,300 emails (approximately) were sent to a unique group of students who enrolled between June and September and had not received any emails before. In total approximately 38,440 emails with an invitation to participate in the WA Student Satisfaction Survey were sent to eligible students in 2016. The last reminder email was sent on Monday 7 November 2016.

Online: the Student Satisfaction Survey website (www.wastudentsurvey.com) was created with information about the survey and a direct link to the online questionnaire (launched 7 September 2016). The link to the survey was closed on 22 November 2016.

Postal: approximately 2,500 blank hard-copy questionnaires were printed and sent to dedicated contacts at each training provider. This hard-copy mail-out targeted ‘hard to find’ students and students who required additional support to complete the survey (the mail-out started on 26 September 2016). The dedicated contacts managed the process of distributing questionnaires on location, and then collated the responses to return them for processing.

Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI): 60 hours of telephone interviews were used to achieve quotas in underrepresented student groups. The fieldwork started on 14 November 2016 and finished on 21 November 2016. The CATI interviews targeted male EBS students aged 15-24 from South Metropolitan TAFE. An additional 89 responses were generated through CATI interviewing.

Sampling

A database with a total of 47,031 unique student records was used, representing the ‘usable student population’ for the 2016 survey.

The 2016 sampling strategy was based on several quota requirements specified by the Department of Training and Workforce Development, as follows.

Achieve a minimum stratified sample of 10,000 usable responses overall.

Achieve a response rate of 20% for each TAFE and WAAPA.

Achieve a minimum response rate of 15% of all IBS.

Achieve a minimum response rate of 6% of all EBS.

Achieve a minimum response rate of 6% of all Aboriginal students.


44

After the completion of all fieldwork 13,043 survey responses were matched back to the original 2016 student records obtained from the Australian Vocational Education and Training Management Information Statistical Standard system (AVETMISS). This matching process was conducted to gather AVETMISS respondent data and to exclude invalid, incomplete and double entries from the total survey sample. In this process, 983 invalid survey responses were removed from the sample, resulting in a net total survey sample of 12,060.

Research data

Unless otherwise specified, data included in this report are from the 2016 WA Student Satisfaction Survey.

Weighting

All data described in this report have been weighted to reflect the total student population based on a combination of student gender, age group (15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-44 years, 45 years and above), student status (IBS, EBS) and training provider. Weight cells with a zero count for the population and survey data were removed.

Analyses in report

This report contains tables outlining the results of all questions asked in the Student Satisfaction Survey 2016. While some subgroup data are detailed in this report, not all subgroups are shown. Additional data can be accessed from the 2016 Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) data file and from the various sets of the 2016 data tables, which are provided separately. The statistical analysis described in this report used SPSS and Q Professional.

Sample and population size

The sample size (n) for each question refers to the number of students, or the subgroup of students, who completed that specific question in the Student Satisfaction Survey in 2016. Please refer to past reports for sample and population data from previous years.


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Survey response – State level

In total, 12,060 unique and valid completed surveys were collected in 2016. The total number of valid completed surveys was 10,256 in 2015.

A total of 11,707 (97%) of respondents completed the survey online. This response rate is similar to 2015 (96%). Online completion was via one of three ways; an email link (n= 8,874 or 74% of all respondents), the www.wastudentsurvey.com website (n= 2,458 or 20% of all respondents) or a link in an SMS-text sent to students’ mobile phones (n= 375 or 3% of all respondents). 264 students (2% of all respondents) completed the survey as a blank hard-copy questionnaire distributed via their training providers. 89 students (1% of all respondents) completed the survey by telephone (CATI).

The total response rate in 2016 is 25.6% (i.e. n= 12,060 / N= 47,031). The response rate in 2015 was 20.1%.

The confidence interval in 2016 is ± 0.48%. This means that with a 95% level of confidence, the survey results on a total level lie within -0.48% and +0.48% of the actual results among the total student population. The standard error is 0.25%.

A brief comparison of response results between the current survey and previous surveys since 2010 is shown in the table below.

Scope Usable

Population Usable

Returns Response

Rate Standard

Error Confidence

Interval (+/-)

All State 2016 47,031 12,060 25.6% 0.25% ± 0.48%

All State 2015 51,008 10,256 20.1% 0.29% ± 0.57%

All State 2014 54,629 9,905 18.1% 0.31% ± 0.60%

All State 2013 55,468 10,335 18.6% 0.31% ± 0.61%

All State 2012 55,296 10,830 19.6% 0.30% ± 0.58%

All State 2011 56,990 10,741 18.8% 0.28% ± 0.55%

All State 2010 58,354 9,969 17.1% 0.32% ± 0.61%

The standard error is calculated as = √ ([p(1-p)/n]) √ ((N – n)/(N-1))

In which p = 88.9% representing the 2016 overall average score on overall satisfaction (Question 23), 1-p = 11.1%, n= 12,060 is the actual sample size for question 23 and N= 47,031 is the total population;

The confidence interval is calculated as = 1.96 * Standard Error.

2016 student satisfaction survey report - dtwd.wa.gov.au · the wa student satisfaction survey is...

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