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This systematic review of research provides evidence
to enable vocational education and training (VET) policy-makers
and practitioners to act and move forward in developing training
that meets the aspirations and needs of Indigenous (footnote)
Australians.
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Through
a systematic review of existing research, clear evidence has
been found that seven key factors lead to positive and improved
outcomes for Indigenous Australians as a result of vocational
education and training. These are:
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community
ownership and involvement
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the incorporation of Indigenous identities,
cultures, knowledge and values
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the
establishment of 'true' partnerships
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flexibility
in course design, content and delivery
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quality staff and committed advocacy
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extensive student support services
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appropriate funding that allows for
sustainability.
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Training built on all seven of these factors will
lead to outcomes from VET that Indigenous Australians aspire to,
including skills for self-development, employment, community development
and self-determination. The absence of any one of these will lessen
the likelihood of positive outcomes.
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This set of critical factors must be observed,
regardless of context, time and place. Indigenous communities
and cultures in Australia are diverse; consequently there can
be no single approach to providing education and training. The
high level of diversity has been one of the challenges of this
systematic review, but this has also enabled the generation
of a set of overarching criteria for success in any and all
circumstances.
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These
seven factors should form the basis for program planning, design
and evaluation. They are already linked with the charter developed
by TAFE Directors Australia for Indigenous education and training,
which has been designed to guide future activity in technical
and further education (TAFE) institutes across the country.
footnote: The term
'Indigenous' refers to Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander people, unless otherwise specified. Other location-specific
terms used include Koori (Victoria), Maori (New Zealand) and First
Nations (Canada).
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