The latest research from the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) reveals the complexity of the learning pathways undertaken by students enrolled in foundation skills programs.
‘Foundation skills’ cover language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills and employability skills, and are considered as essential for an individual’s greater social engagement, workforce participation and productivity.
The research Journeying through VET: a case study of foundation skills learners analysed data from 145 540 students covering 408 865 enrolments in nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) programs, including 228 640 enrolments in foundation skills programs, from 2016 to 2019.
The research found that the passage of foundation skills learners through the VET system can be complex, with learners often enrolled in multiple VET programs. Over half (59.3%) of the foundation skills students also enrolled in other VET programs. In addition, those who enrol in foundation skills programs in some combination with other VET programs are more likely to complete any nationally recognised VET program than those who only enrol in foundation skills programs.
The research reinforces the importance of exploring reasons for non-completion as a significantly higher proportion of foundation skills qualification part-completers did not complete training for personal reasons compared with their non-foundation skills peers.
Another finding was that learners who completed a foundation skills qualification have poorer employment outcomes than their non-foundation skills qualification completer peers.
Caution should be taken, however, in defining the benefits of foundation skills programs primarily in terms of employment or completion outcomes. “For many learners, getting a job may not be the goal. Instead, their intention may be to improve their English language skills or their numeracy skills, enabling them to be more confident when engaging with their community,” explained NCVER Managing Director Simon Walker.
Background:
The exploratory research Journeying through VET: a case study of foundation skills learners aimed to learn more about those who undertake nationally recognised foundation skills programs post-school and to investigate their training and employment outcomes.
Download: Journeying through VET: a case study of foundation skills learners.
Enquiries: Mariane Umali M: 0406 824 184 E: marianeumali@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.