Navigating the Exodus: Employee Turnover Challenges in Australian Vocational Education Training (VET) Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)

Employee turnover in Vocational Education Training (VET) Registered Training Organizations (RTOs) in Australia has reached alarming
levels, posing a significant challenge to the quality and stability of vocational education. This study investigates the underlying factors
influencing turnover, focusing on employee motivation, engagement, compensation, and management support. Current turnover rates
exceed national averages, exacerbated by persistent workforce shortages and a lack of reliable statistics specific to the VET sector.
Employing Herzberg's two-factor theory and Maslow's hierarchy of needs, this research aims to elucidate how motivational factors and
workplace dynamics affect staff retention. Preliminary findings indicate that a significant proportion of VET educators leave for better
opportunities or personal reasons, driven by factors such as an aging workforce, high casualization rates, and fluctuations in industry
demand.
Given that VET RTOs are crucial for training approximately 4.5 million learners, the consequences of high turnover extend beyond
individual institutions, impacting the broader educational landscape and economic stability. This research not only addresses the critical
gap in the literature regarding employee turnover in VET RTOs but also provides actionable insights for policymakers and organizational
leaders.
By focusing on the intricate relationships among motivation, engagement, compensation, and management support, the findings aim to
inform effective retention strategies that enhance educational quality and operational efficiency. Ultimately, this study aspires to
contribute to the development of a skilled workforce, aligning training programs with national workforce development goals while
enriching the existing body of knowledge on employee turnover in vocational education.