McGlusky and Thaker (2006) emphasise the lower levels of Indigenous literacy and numeracy as a critical barrier to participation in higher-level VET courses, suggesting that there is a clear need for increased tutoring assistance and literacy elements to be built into training packages.

In order to retain Indigenous students in the VET system and provide pathways to employment-related outcomes, a range of support services are required across financial, cultural and social needs. Partnerships with organisations outside the VET sector can provide the necessary ‘joined up' services to alleviate the barriers that Indigenous students face in entering and continuing their participation in training