National VET research priorities 2011 to 2013

In 2007, the ministers for training in Australia signed off on five research priorities, which have since shaped much of the research on vocational education and training (VET). In their scope and reach the priorities go beyond the intricacies of the VET sector to explore how vocational education and training interconnects with the economy, workplaces, and other education sectors.

These priorities proved broad enough to accommodate an array of research pertinent to VET policy and practice but it is time to consider priorities for 2011 - 2013.

Between October 2009 and February 2010 NCVER consulted well over 150 stakeholders through a combination of forums, a webinar, an interactive blog and call for written submissions.

The NCVER Board will consider the outcomes of the consultations in April with a view to putting advice to ministers on the new priorities.

It is envisaged there will be five priority areas broadly covering skills and productivity, the structures of the tertiary education and training system, the contribution of education and training to social inclusion, teaching and learning, and the role of VET. 

The proposed research priorities are expected to be considered at the June 2010 meeting of the Ministerial Council of Tertiary Education and Employment.

For further information contact Jo Hargreaves on 08 8230 8678 or joanne.hargreaves@ncver.edu.au.