This summary provides a profile of both technical and further education (TAFE) institutes and private providers in the provision of publicly funded vocational education and training (VET). It provides data on student characteristics and outcomes, which demonstrate the extent of variation in the sector in 2006. (Contains 6 tables and 10 figures.) [This paper has been produced by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) as a joint initiative of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.]