Work in Progress
Getting the job done: How employers use and value accredited training leading to qualification
Summary
- Item:
- 10176
- Title:
- Getting the job done: How employers use and value accredited training leading to qualification
- Type:
- Managed research project
- Project no:
- NR1019
- Status:
- Finished
- Date commenced:
- 15 August 2001
- Contact:
- Peter Waterhouse
- phone: +61 3 9486 8600
- email: pwhouse@wli.com.au
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how a range of employers appreciate and utilise qualifications. The range of industries may include the motor vehicle industry, mining, engineering, manufacturing, horticulture, hospitality, food processing and retailing, and information technology.
Approach
Qualitative research
Research questions
The research questions are clustered around three interrelated themes or perspectives:
* The enterprise perspective;
* The industry context; and
* Perceptions of providers.
Enterprise Perspective:
1. What is the profile of qualifications held by employees in the organisation?
2. Is there a commitment to 'in-house' and 'on-job' training for qualifications or are qualifications primarily point of employment tools? (i.e. internal versus external labour market orientation)
3. Is there a perceived link between qualifications and productivity?
4. Does the size of the company have an impact on the importance of a qualification?
5. Does the nature of the business affect the perceptions or importance of qualifications?
6. How does the employer perceive the relationships between workplace learning, training and qualifications?
Industry Context
1. Does the industry context shape or influence the use and value of qualifications? If so, how?
2. What role do industrial issues play in influencing employers' perceptions of and commitment to training and qualifications?
3. How are qualifications used by employers in their industries?
4. Is there consistency across different industries in the relative importance given to different types of qualifications?
Perceptions of Providers
Are VET qualifications from preferred providers valued more than others and if so for what reasons?
Methodology
This study will involve interviews with employers, employees and managers in 10 companies in the following industry sectors in NSW, VIC, WA and Qld:
* Motor vehicle manufacturing;
* Mining;
* Baking;
* Seafood processing/retailing;
* Horticulture;
* Plastics/process manufacturing;
* Hospitality; and
* Information technology.
Stage 1: Planning
- Literature review;
- Selection of sites and development of case study protocol.
Stage 2: Data Gathering and Analysis
- Conduct interviews in 10 companies;
- Develop company profile;
- Analyse data and conduct focus groups.
Stage 3: Report Writing
Organisations
Workplace Learning Initiatives Pty Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation within the State Training System in Victoria. It is well known for its 'culture of research' (Waterhouse & Sefton 1997, Sefton & Waterhouse 1999, Falk, Sefton & Billett 1999) and its commitment to critically reflective practice, professional development and teacher education. The company aims to make strategic links between good practice and the development of grounded theory. The Directors and staff have extensive experience in research and practice in TAFE institutes, labour market and industry training programs and in Higher Education. They have conducted commissioned research projects and professional development programs for VET teachers and trainers at both statewide and provider levels.
