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Informing policy and practice in Australia's training system

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Juggling work, home and learning in low-paid occupations: a qualitative study

Item:
2369
Title:
Juggling work, home and learning in low-paid occupations: a qualitative study
Authors:
Barbara Pocock, Jude Elton, Deborah Green, Catherine McMahon, Suzanne Pritchard
Publication date: 
24 June 2011
Type:
Research report
Themes:
Students and individuals > General
Industry and employers > General
Industry and employers > Specific industries > Health and community services
Industry and employers > Specific industries > Retail trade
Teaching and learning > General
VET system > General
ISBN:
978 1 921955 03 7 print; 978 1 921955 02 0 web

This report looks at what factors influence the participation of low-skilled and low-paid workers in vocational education and training. Information comes from students, employers, employees and providers in the retail, food-processing and non-residential aged care sectors across four Australian states. It finds that although barriers to training do include lack of money and time to study, many of the challenges related to integrating work, home life, community interests and study. The main driver of training is the need to gain or retain a job, and the costs of participation are high as far as time, money and effort goes. For low-paid workers the financial rewards for training are low.

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