Designing the future of the vocational education and training sector in NSW
NSW Department of Education | Program Evaluation and Business Case | NSW, Australia | 2023
Evaluation to inform program design
Social cost-benefit analysis assessing value for money and impact
Stakeholder-informed delivery model options
Business case for next-phase implementation
The Challenge
The NSW Department of Education engaged Sparrowly Group to evaluate the Skills Brokers Program and design options for its future delivery to shape recommendations for the vocational education and training (VET) sector. The Program coordinates training opportunities to help employers and individuals meet workforce needs.
Key challenges included
Demonstrating measurable workforce and productivity outcomes
Ensuring the program remains responsive to industry demand
Aligning delivery with future funding and policy settings
Designing a scalable and sustainable delivery model
Our Approach
We developed a Program Logic Model to guide discovery and future design, ensuring clarity on program intent, outcomes and evidence requirements.
Our methodology included
Social cost-benefit analysis to quantify economic and social value
Administrative data analysis to assess employment outcomes
Stakeholder engagement with employers, training providers and program teams
Development of future delivery model options and design recommendations
Outcomes and Impact
Key Outcomes
Clear evidence base to support program redesign
Delivery model options aligned to workforce needs
Business case supporting future implementation
Recommendations to strengthen responsiveness and efficiency
Economic and Social Impact
Increased workforce productivity through targeted training
Improved alignment between training and employer demand
Enhanced regional responsiveness to skills shortages
Stronger foundation for future funding and policy alignment
