More bang for the buck from new research partnerships
27 Febuary 2008
A new venture between the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) and four leading research centres based in Australia's top universities will offer 'more bang for the research buck'.
NCVER Managing Director Tom Karmel announced today that NCVER was entering into a three-year partnership with four of Australia's leading research centres:
Centre for Work and Life, University of South Australia
Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne
Social Policy Evaluation, Analysis and Research Centre, Australian National University
Workplace Research Centre, University of Sydney.
'This announcement is a further, major step in bolstering the strength of research supporting Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector,' Dr Karmel said.
'These partnerships have been designed to provide a longer-term and strategic approach to research on significant issues for the VET sector.
'We want to improve the effectiveness and quality of vocational education and training in Australia and research is a key ingredient in this task.
'For example we want to know more about the factors influencing people's decisions to undertake VET courses and how VET can improve workforce participation and company performance.
'With an ageing population we also need to better understand older workers' use — or non-use — of the training system and how changing patterns of life and work are also impacting on training.
'Our intention through this scheme is to shine a light into these areas and give Australia's training policy makers and providers a better understanding of the challenges ahead.
'I am also looking forward to working with the researchers who are new to the VET sector. It's always good to have fresh perspectives on the issues.'
Dr Karmel said the program announcement followed an extensive evaluation process with 23 research proposals assessed before the four successful centres were selected.
ENDS
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