This discussion paper argues the need for VET to broaden its scope in response to the anticipated changes of the 21st century and to 'coverage' with what we now think of as 'lifelong learning'. The result of such convergence will be a new form of learning, different in character from the prior forms and better able to meet the needs of individuals and society as a whole.
This report draws on international experience and is designed to outline some general features of the current (as distinct from earlier) approaches to lifelong learning and present the work of major international organisations that have been active in this field such as the Council of Europe, UNESCO, the OECD and the European Union. It also suggests the lessons that can be drawn from this international experience.
Globalisation is impacting on most spheres of human endeavour - the economy, the society, politics and education. This publication addresses a world-wide view of globalisation and its potential impact on most areas of technical and vocational education and training. It is particularly relevant to policy-makers, planners, curriculum developers and industry partners in both formal and non-formal education for work.
This Research at a glance explores early school leaving, who early school leavers are, why they leave school early, risk factors and likely outcomes of early school leaving, and the positives and negatives of retention. It examines what is being done for early school leavers through VET in school and post-school settings and identifies major issues and 'best practice' as well as possible directions.
Four major impediments to higher youth employment are identified in this review. These are: the inability to maintain rates of economic growth sufficient to reduce unemployment without inducing inflationary pressures; changes in the composition of demand for labour favoring more highly skilled workers; systems for delivery of vocational education and training which remain poorly adapted to users' needs; and wage structures that prevent the market for youth labour from clearing.
This review of research provides an overview of the literature on the way in which work is changing and the effects such changes have on the VET sector. The nature of the changes is described, including the decrease in full-time permanent work, the move towards increasing part-time and casual work and employment shifts across industries. If VET programs are to be judged successful they need to address the needs of multiple clients simultaneously, and be tolerant of diversity while balancing the tensions between national and/or State policy frameworks and more localised needs. Regional frameworks to connect VET with local and community development networks are particularly important.
This report presents a review and analysis of research on the internationalisation of vocational education and training and provides an assessment of other research that needs to be conducted in this area.
The review has examined the available literature related to the access, participation and outcomes for people with disabilities. It explores the range of barriers to access as well as describing some innovative models and their associated success factors. People with disabilities continue to be under-represented in the sector. Nevertheless, the provision of adequate support for individual participants is a key factor in ensuring good educational outcomes and maintaining their levels of participation.
This study reviews both international and Australian literature on provision of vocational education in adult and juvenile correctional institutions. The international research includes some studies that found that vocational education and literacy/numeracy education have led to reduced recidivism. The Australian literature, which is small scale at this stage, indicates that VET improves access to employment but the studies do not identify in what way VET assists as there are many variables which affect why prisoners participate in programs.