This evaluation report presents the findings of an independent realist evaluation of Enterprise & Training Company Limited (ETC)’s employment services, conducted by Charles Sturt University. The evaluation examines what works, for whom, and under what circumstances in supporting people experiencing long-term unemployment, with a particular focus on regional Australia.
Commissioned to strengthen evidence-based practice, the evaluation draws on service data, stakeholder insights, and customer perspectives to better understand barriers to employment and the conditions that support positive outcomes. The findings contribute to ongoing learning and continuous improvement across employment services delivered through Workforce Australia.
The full evaluation report is available below.
Download the full evaluation report (PDF, 4.5 MB)
Supporting people experiencing long-term unemployment to achieve their employment goals
This evaluation was commissioned by Enterprise & Training Company Limited (ETC) and independently conducted by Charles Sturt University. It uses a realist evaluation approach to examine how employment services operate in practice and the conditions that influence outcomes for people experiencing long-term unemployment.
The evaluation was designed to inform learning and continuous improvement by providing an independent, evidence-based assessment of service delivery within the Workforce Australia context, with particular relevance to regional Australia.
The evaluation explored how ETC’s employment services work for different people and circumstances, asking what approaches are effective, for whom they work, and why. It considered the experiences of customers, staff and system stakeholders, alongside service data, to build a clearer picture of barriers to employment and opportunities for improvement.
Rather than measuring performance against targets, the evaluation focused on understanding service design, delivery and engagement from multiple perspectives.
Long-term unemployment remains a complex and persistent challenge, particularly in regional communities. Independent evaluation plays an important role in improving employment services by identifying what works in practice and where change is needed.
This evaluation supports transparency, learning and continuous improvement by providing an evidence-based assessment of employment services and their impact on people experiencing long-term unemployment.
The evaluation examined a number of key areas, including:
These focus areas informed a set of findings and recommendations aimed at supporting more effective and responsive employment services.
The full evaluation report, including findings, analysis and recommendations, is available to download below.
Download the full evaluation report (PDF, 4.5 MB)
Supporting people experiencing long–term unemployment to achieve their employment goals
Evans, M., McKenna, P., & Xie, G. (2025). Supporting people experiencing long-term unemployment to achieve their employment goals: Realist evaluation of Enterprise & Training Company Limited (ETC) – A Workforce Australia provider. Charles Sturt University.
This evaluation was commissioned by Enterprise & Training Company Limited and independently conducted by Charles Sturt University.
The full publication record is also available via Charles Sturt University Research Output >
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