A fair go: Factors impacting on vocational education and training participation and completion in selected ethnic communities
Authors:
Judith Miralles
Publication date: 
30 June 2004
Publication type:
Research report
Themes:
Students and individuals > Learner groups > Access and equity groups
Students and individuals > Learner groups > Non-English speaking background students
Teaching and learning > Literacy/numeracy > General
ISBN:
1 920895 89 2 print; 1 920895 90 6 web
There are differences between, and among, people in ethnic communities. This study seeks to provide a more nuanced snapshot of vocational education and training (VET) participation and completion rates among Arabic, Bosnian, Cantonese, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese communities. It investigates the effectiveness of English as a second language programs as a pathway to training. Overall, the participants of this study favour programs which provide clear pathways to employment, offer language support, acknowledge existing vocational skills, and include work experience in their training. The critical role of teachers was also emphasised by participants, particularly teachers sensitive to cultural issues such as language and values, and who constructively use cultural diversity in training programs.