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This report documents the evolution and development of four 'learning
communities' in Victoria where local government has been involved. It
investigates the challenges and complexities faced in getting these
communities off the ground and the role that the vocational education
and training (VET) sector has played. The study has highlighted the
importance of recognising different
stakeholders' values and perspectives, appreciating multiple outcomes, and proactively
managing
the relationships between various groups of stakeholders.
- Local government has enormous potential and invaluable resources
that enable vocational education and training to support local socioeconomic
development. Local government is strategically placed to identify
local needs and to facilitate networks, connections and directions
for development.
- Management styles in social partnership projects should,
ideally, be those with the capacity to work with higher levels of
unpredictability and ambiguity. They should also display responsiveness,
creativity and
flexibility. In addition, managers need to be flexible in applying
policy and funding to accommodate shifting needs and opportunities.
- Managers
of stakeholder groups also need skills in managing the relationships
between different partnership organisations, while
respect for different values, needs and modes of operation is
also necessary. The partnership participants need to value the health
of
the combined
project over their particular institutional or personal interest.
- Passionate
individuals are required for partnership projects to flourish;
their commitment is the engine which drives the processes.
- None of
the partnership projects in this study has been
initiated or led by VET institutions. However, the VET system has
been a useful tool in assisting more proactive partners to achieve
their goals through effective educational strategies
and curriculum/learning design. On occasions private providers have
been especially established to overcome the hurdles encountered in mainstream
VET institutions and systems.
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