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This project investigated higher-level vocational education and training (VET) qualifications (certificate IV, diploma and advanced diploma, vocational graduate diploma) in six sectors across three industries: disability services, nursing, engineering, electronics/electrotechnology, multimedia and design. It examined the relevance of higher-level VET qualifications for enterprises and employment outcomes for students; how higher-level VET qualifications might be improved; and the implications of the new associate degree for higher-level VET qualifications.
- Higher-level VET qualifications have a role to play in meeting employers’ needs for more highly skilled workers, but employers do not necessarily favour graduates with higher-level qualifications. The value and role of these qualifications differs across sectors studied; for example, the requirements for entry into enrolled nursing are quite different from those required for multimedia and design.
- Course developers need to work very hard to establish the credibility of higher-level qualifications in the eyes of employers. Higher-level qualifications need to:
- emphasise generic skills, such as the ability to deal with change and problem-solving
- involve substantial work placement/experience opportunities (which will be a challenge to organise).
- Currently, the role and value of the associate degree is little known, nor does evidence exist that the associate degree will have an impact upon participation in higher-level VET qualifications.
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