The purpose of this research is to identify and analyse employer perspectives on what would facilitate employment pathways /opportunities for equity groups and to determine the training and other complementary policy measures likely to support employers in their efforts to assist employees from equity groups to become sustainable workforce participants. In brief, the researchers want to know 'what would it take' to persuade employers to employ individuals from target cohorts which have traditionally been marginalised.
* Literature review and examination of existing data
Anecdotal evidence and preliminary research suggests that larger employers are more likely to have existing HRM policies addressing affirmative action, access and equity and equal opportunity. The purpose of this stage is to identify existing practices and the views of larger employers on 'what works'.
A review of literature will be conducted (on employer engagement, perceptions and attitudes, successful practices and strategies to increase participation of equity groups etc) from national and international perspectives. Where available quantitative data will be reviewed and used to scope and support the direction of the research. An examination of the existing data sources in this area could include NCVER, ABS, Productivity Commission statistics and research by employer and employee organisations such as ACCI, AiG, BCA, ACTU. International sources could include ILO, UNESCO (TVET), UK Dfes, USCEA, OECD.
* Targeted, semi-structured interviews with employers from small to medium enterprises
Whilst larger enterprises may be leading the way in equal employment policies and practices it is, ironically, small to medium enterprises (SMEs) that actually employ the majority of Australians. It is essential to gain their understandings of these issues for meaningful progress to be made in employment outcomes. Hence semi-structured, qualitative interviews will be conducted with employers in SMEs to explore their perceptions of several equity groups (choice of equity groups will be informed by stage 1) and the factors that influence employers in their engagement with members of these groups. Interview participants will be targeted from across a breadth of industries and geographic regions. Construction of a purposive stratified sample of employers will take into account the following characteristics:
* Jurisdiction - four States/territories will be sampled;
* Industry sectors - a range of sectors will be included, with a focus on identified areas of growth and skills shortage;
* Occupations and skill levels within the organisations;
* The size of the organisations
* Geographical location of organisations.
The research team will work with their respective networks, in particular Group Training Australia, to identify employers who will be approached to participate in the interviews. Where available, annual reports will also be examined to see how enterprises have reported on equity policies.
GTA Vic is the peak employer body representing 23 Group Training Organisations and 6 Associate members in Victoria. GTA Vic takes a lead role on behalf of the GTA network in supporting and conducting research relating to skills formation. GTA Vic is establishing a strong profile and presence as a research agency with particular interests in vocational pathways and apprenticeship. Over the last 8 years GTA Vic has undertaken and managed to a successful outcome a variety of projects and research activities particularly at the State level; and in collaboration with GTA at the national level. The multi-industry nature of the work of the members provides both a horizontal slice across industry and the capacity for in depth research. The diversity of the network also brings a further dimension to GTA Vic's policy development and research capacity.
Workplace Learning Initiatives Pty. Ltd. is perhaps the most distinctive 'private provider' operating in the Australian adult and vocational education field today. This group of practitioner-researchers have developed a grounded approach to research and practice which actively drives their consultancy, organisational development, training and support services across a wide range of work settings. The company strives to remain at the cutting edge, both researching and reflecting the changes shaping what it means to be knowledge workers and multidisciplinary VET practitioners in these changing times. In almost 15 years of operation there have now been 9 doctoral studies directly involving WLI practitioners. There have also been 8 other commissioned research projects of national significance to VET policy and practice as well as numerous conference papers, reports and journal articles.
The Equity Research Centre is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation with a twenty year history of managing and conducting a wide variety of projects relating to equity in education, training and employment. Over the past ten years of conducting research in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors all research managed by the Centre complies with a well established project management and quality assurance system.
