Work in Progress
The double helix of VET and regional development
Summary
- Item:
- 10385
- Title:
- The double helix of VET and regional development
- Type:
- Managed research project
- Project no:
- NR6014
- Status:
- Finished
- Date commenced:
- 3 November 2006
- Contact:
- Peter Kearns
- phone: +61 2 6231 4125
- email: kearns@cyberone.com.au
Purpose
The study will examine the question of how well VET offerings in regional areas are meeting the learning and skill needs of these areas through an analysis undertaken at two levels: at the regional level in five selected regions and in five selected communities within these regions. The study will combine quantitative and qualitative analysis in identifying gaps in provision, successful initiatives that respond well to emerging needs, and overall lessons for the VET sector, communities and regions. It will adopt cross-sectoral perspectives in building on evidence across a number of sectors and agencies, and will take account of international trends and experience including emerging good practice models
Approach
Data Analysis, Interviews and Case Studies
Research questions
The research questions include:
1. In selected regions of Australia how well does the range of VET offerings meet local skill needs based on realistic economic opportunities?
2. In what ways can VET become more mobile/flexible to met local and regional needs?
3. What contribution can local community frameworks, such as learning community initiatives, make to meeting skill needs, fostering innovation, and building social and human capital in communities?
Methodology
The analysis of the project will be undertaken at two levels: in five selected regions and in five local communities one within each of the five regions. While the analysis at the regional level will be largely quantitative, supplemented by interviews with key personnel with regional responsibilities (such as TAFE directors, Area Consultative Committees, the chief executives of regional development organisations), the analysis at the local level will be mainly qualitative based on case studies.
1. Planning and Initial Contacts
Detailed planning will be finalised for the study and initial contacts made with key stakeholders in the regions and communities proposed for the study.
2. Literature Review and Analysis of Key Documents
The literature review will include the series of reports on success factors in regional development, and the partnership building and social capital research commissioned by NCVER as well as reports produced by other agencies such as the Bureau of Transport and Regional Services, as well as state government agencies.
3. Analysis of Regional Data
An analysis will be undertaken of data from the five selected regions using a range of sources. These will include NCVER, ABS regional data and profiles, the ALGA State of the Regions reports (and their accumulated stylised facts), Bureau of Transport and Regional Services studies, and data from relevant State agencies. The profiles developed will be used in consultations with key stakeholders at the regional level in identifying any shifts in skill needs within the region. We will supplement the traditional data sources listed above with non traditional data sources such as local data obtained through surveys undertaken or commissioned by Area Consultative Committees and Regional Development Boards.
4. Consultation with Stakeholders at Regional and State Level
A discussion paper with a set of focus questions will be prepared for use in consultations at the regional level. Consultations will include regional development agencies, senior officers of TAFE Institutes with a regional mandate, relevant industry organisations, Area Consultative Committees, regional research organisations, relevant state agencies, and other stakeholders identified. Regional consultations will lead to a set of issues and questions to be taken up in the case studies in local communities.
5. Case Studies in Selected Communities>b/>
Case studies will be undertaken in communities in each of the following regions:
* NSW South East - Bega Valley
* Riverina - Griffith
* Northern Adelaide - Playford/Salisbury
* Sunshine Coast - Noosa
* Cooloola-or Greater Sunshine Coast - Gympie
The regions and communities represent a range of contexts in terms of size, industry base, location, extent of change, and other variables.
The completion of the drafts of the regional analysis and case studies will be circulated to communities for comment.
Seminars
We propose to conduct a series of seminars in two or three regional areas to test the conclusions and recommendations of the Draft Final Report. All the key stakeholder groups will be invited to participate in these seminars.
Organisations
Global Learning Services is an international network of consultants established in 1996, which has a special interest in strategic issues in sectors of education and training. We have undertaken consultancies in all sectors of education and training, including some international studies as well as a number of cross-sectoral studies in fields such as equity and policy for ICT in education. Our special interests include lifelong learning, building learning communities, equity, creativity and innovation, and ways in which VET and other education sectors adapt to socio-economic change.
