Working together: VET partnerships key to strengthening regions

7 November 2007

The development of human capital - the knowledge and skills derived from education, training and experience - is essential to regional development and the sustainability of communities.

Managed by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), a significant body of research explores the role vocational education and training (VET) plays in developing regions economically and socially.

The findings from this work will be presented at research forums in four regional centres, including a forum in Geraldton today.

'The VET sector, through public and private training providers, is a key avenue for fostering regional growth because these organisations are a major part of the fabric of local communities. And, many more people in regional Australia participate in VET than people in metropolitan centres,' says Dr Tom Karmel, Managing Director, NCVER.

The focus of the forums is two-fold - not only how VET can get involved as the provider of regional specific education and training, but also how VET can participate in effective partnerships.

'Through partnerships with local government and employers, TAFE campuses and private training providers can drive growth in the skills that regions need,' says Dr Karmel.

NCVER has also released a new online dynamic resource the Atlas of Australian public VET. Policy-makers and practitioners have long wanted more customised statistics. This resource provides student and course data across all regions in Australia and will enable users to compare their region with other regions.

Of particular interest is information relating to the number and characteristics of students participating in VET, the types of courses they are undertaking and the number of apprentices and trainees in different skills areas.

This information is mostly taken from data sourced from NCVER's Students and courses, and Apprentices and trainees statistical collections.

ENDS

The key findings from the body of research focused on VET's role in regional development are synthesised in Regional partnerships: At a glance. Copies of this publication are available from http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/1938.html

The Atlas of Australian public VET is a dynamic resource that will be updated as further information becomes available. To access the Atlas of Australian public VET, please visit the Resources tab, on NCVER's website at http://www.ncver.edu.au

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