Small businesses, like larger enterprises, need the capacity to respond to the changing demands and requirements of the economy. This report identifies opportunities for Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system to work collaboratively with local associations, organisations and networks to meet the educational needs of small business. It confirms small business operators learn via informal and local networks, and want training that directly addresses their specific needs. The report is based on a study that examined the processes small business undertook to implement the goods and services tax (GST) and the associated business activity statement (BAS).
A descriptive analysis of recent pathways to apprenticeships is presented in this report. It finds pre-apprenticeship programs can play an effective role providing short-term vocational training to young people as a means of improving their chances to gaining an apprenticeship. The report is based on analysis of NCVER data and interviews with students, trainers, training experts, and representatives of industry.
The implementation and management of recognition of prior learning (RPL) by registered training organisations following the introduction of Australian Quality Training Framework standards are reviewed in this report. Proposals to support registered training organisations' compliance with RPL in the standards are also included. The report is based on work commissioned by the Australian National Training Authority to identify and analyse the barriers that affect the implementation of RPL, and to advise the National Training Quality Council.
This report examines the connections between e-business and online learning and considers the opportunities for the vocational education and training (VET) sector arising from these connections. The report includes examples of VET organisations developing customer relationship management systems and online enrolment systems, examples of VET organisations using e-marketing strategies and e-business to deliver a range of electronic services to students.
This volume is a compilation of the company case studies used in a comprehensive study of Australia's emerging and potential industries, their impact on the national innovation system and their relationship with co-operative research centres. Other related volumes are 'Going boldly into the future: Skills and Australian high technology start-up firms', by Karen Whittingham of the Australian Photonics Research Centre, also the main study report, 'Going boldly into the future: A VET journey into the national innovation system' by Fran Ferrier and Clifford Trood of the Monash University Centre for Employment Education and Training.
This summary report is the result of a comprehensive study of Australia's emerging and potential industries. It discusses how co-operative research centres are helping with the workskill needs of these emerging industries.
This case study of the high-technology companies established by the Australian Photonics Co-operative Research Centre and the Centre for Molecular Engineering Technology provides supplementary information to the summary report 'Going boldly into the future: A journey into the national innovation system'. The author gives detailed profiles of 14 high technology Australian companies which are all start-ups. The profiles describe the corporate structure, staff and management and the involvement of each company with the VET sector.
This report examines training practices that demonstrated positive benefits over a period of time in large Australian firms. It primarily focusses on the integration of teaching and learning within the firm, factors which influence firms to train workers, the use of accredited training and training packages, the development of career structures within firms, the impact of globalisation on training and learning practices, and how the success of training is measured. Conclusions are derived from over 50 case studies about the major elements which contribute to successful enterprise training and learning practices.