Opinion pieces

With a policy focus on improving the skills of Australian workers and increasing the productivity… Show more

With a policy focus on improving the skills of Australian workers and increasing the productivity of the workforce, what can we expect of and for students and workers in low-paid occupations? This is not a trivial question, given that nearly one in Show less

This piece explores whether participation in VET in schools assists the transition of young people… Show more

This piece explores whether participation in VET in schools assists the transition of young people by looking at research using data from the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY). LSAY tracks young people as they move from school to work, Show less

The notion that Indigenous culture acts as a barrier to achievement in vocational education and… Show more

The notion that Indigenous culture acts as a barrier to achievement in vocational education and training has been rejected by findings which suggest Indigenous cultural engagement should be viewed as part of the solution, and not as part of the Show less

As part of the ‘Skills for all Australians’ initiative, the Council for Australian Governments… Show more

As part of the ‘Skills for all Australians’ initiative, the Council for Australian Governments (COAG) has set an ambitious target to double the number of people who complete higher-level qualifications such as diplomas or advanced diplomas by Show less

Career education has typically focused on school-aged students and young adults, who seem the… Show more

Career education has typically focused on school-aged students and young adults, who seem the obvious target for information about career services and educational pathways. However, in recent years the focus has widened. Show less

Mental illness can be a disruptive and frustrating disability when it comes to success in education … Show more

Mental illness can be a disruptive and frustrating disability when it comes to success in education and training, because students may be academically able but still debilitated by their condition. Students with mental illness face an unenviable Show less

Transcript of a speech given by Francesca Beddie, General Manager Research, NCVER at the University … Show more

Transcript of a speech given by Francesca Beddie, General Manager Research, NCVER at the University of Canberra's Faculty of Education graduation ceremony in March 2012. Show less

The resources sector has been the major driver of Australia's economy for some years now, with the… Show more

The resources sector has been the major driver of Australia's economy for some years now, with the consensus that a resources boom will underpin economic growth for many years to come. As with any boom, it is likely that growth in the sector will Show less

Recent research published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)… Show more

Recent research published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) concludes that two sectoral divides are being blurred, not just one. The first is the longstanding divide between vocational education and training and higher Show less

Vocational education and skills is not a term that is used in Australia. Rather we talk about… Show more

Vocational education and skills is not a term that is used in Australia. Rather we talk about vocational education and training (VET), although other terms have been used including technical and further education, and vocational training and Show less

The persistent social and economic marginalisation of individuals and groups within society has… Show more

The persistent social and economic marginalisation of individuals and groups within society has significant detrimental direct and indirect impacts. Such marginalisation tends to create a 'vicious cycle' of disadvantage, limiting access to Show less

As part of the recent reforms to increase the skills of Australians, there has been a national push … Show more

As part of the recent reforms to increase the skills of Australians, there has been a national push to encourage young people to engage in 'earning or learning' activities. Legislative changes now mean young people must stay in school until they Show less

In this chapter, the Australian apprenticeship and traineeship system is discussed with an… Show more

In this chapter, the Australian apprenticeship and traineeship system is discussed with an international audience in mind. Show less

It’s that time of year when high school students around the country start thinking about their… Show more

It’s that time of year when high school students around the country start thinking about their future careers beyond school. To get ahead and achieve success, education is beyond doubt a key element. Show less

In 2009 the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) did an audit at Box Hill Institute of… Show more

In 2009 the Australian Universities Quality Agency (AUQA) did an audit at Box Hill Institute of TAFE. Its report prompts some questions about what we mean about applied research and scholarship in a more integrated tertiary education sector and in a Show less

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said that ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single… Show more

Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said that ‘a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ and the same could be said about learning. Show less

When it comes to increasing apprentice completion rates, pre-apprenticeship programs are not the… Show more

When it comes to increasing apprentice completion rates, pre-apprenticeship programs are not the silver bullet many assume them to be. Show less

Studying in a lecture hall or classroom is not the only way to pave the way to a successful career. … Show more

Studying in a lecture hall or classroom is not the only way to pave the way to a successful career. Apprenticeships and traineeships offer a hands-on approach to learning in a diverse range of occupations and industries, including agriculture, Show less

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has a focus on building the… Show more

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) has a focus on building the researcher capacity of the VET sector. Those working within the VET sector, whether as trainers, consultants or managers, already have the context in which to Show less

VET teachers play an important role in developing the skills and talents of both young and older… Show more

VET teachers play an important role in developing the skills and talents of both young and older people. But, increasingly, people are questioning if the teachers themselves have the support and training they need. Show less