Australia's international education industry is booming with more students than ever before studying in Australia. But the vocational education sector - training for trades and services - is underperforming.
Education is Australia's third-largest export and it's worth more than ever before.
Last year education brought in a record $21.8 billion for the Australian economy.
But the vocational education sector is falling behind.
Data from the federal Department of Education and Training shows the number of students enrolled part-time and full-time vocational courses is down 10 per cent compared to 2009.
That's a sharp contrast to the 30 per cent growth in international student numbers in universities over the same period.
Now the government is trying to reverse the decline.
A new report by financial consultants KPMG, commissioned by the federal government, shows there are not enough vocational training services to meet demand in many Asian, Middle Eastern and South American countries.
The report specifically highlights the growing need for courses in areas such as aged care, construction, advanced manufacturing and hospitality.
