Tasmania is leading the nation in the rate of increase of students enrolling in vocational education and training (VET) programs, Premier and Minister for Education and Skills David Bartlett said today.

"The changes we have made in education are already having an impact, Mr Bartlett said.

"I am delighted.

"We set out to make a difference and that is happening.

"Tasmania leads the nation in the rate of growth for:

• VET student enrolments.

• Training hours.

• Subject enrolments

• Full year equivalent training students

• Participation rate for students.

Mr Bartlett said the Students and Courses 2008 publication of the National Centre for Vocational Education Research statistics show vocational student numbers in Tasmania are up 5.4 per cent, the highest percentage growth of all states and territories.

"This represents a growth of 2400 Tasmanian students to 46,300," Mr Bartlett said.

"By comparison, there was a 1.9 per cent increase nationally."

Mr Bartlett said Tasmania also recorded the highest percentage growth in terms of training hours with a 10.4 per cent increase, compared with 4.7 per cent nationally.

"In addition, subject enrolments were up by 6.8 per cent, compared with 4.9 per cent nationally," he said.

"Tasmania also recorded an impressive result with the number of full-year training equivalent students, with 13,600 students. This was an increase of 10.4 per cent compared to just 4.7 per cent throughout the rest of Australia.

"The participation rate for students in the 15-19 age group showed the largest increase - from 25.4 per cent in 2007 to 28.3 per cent in 2008.

"Another highlight was the fact most training package enrolments showed an increase from 2007, with the largest being in tourism, hospitality and events (17.2 per cent), business services (14.2 per cent) and community services (7.3 per cent)."

Mr Bartlett said the increase in Tasmanian figures may be partly due to increased activity in programs such as the successful Productivity Places Program - which the State Government was investing more than $6 million to target skill shortages in Tasmania during 2009.

"We are starting to reap the rewards with increased opportunities for adults, young and mature, to engage in training, re-training and skills development," Mr Bartlett said.

"We must continue to work hard to provide training opportunities for people to participate in work and fully engage in their community."