There has been much research and discussion about how people with a disability engage with vocational education and training (VET). This paper summarises what we know about VET participation, education and employment outcomes, and the costs and benefits of vocational education and training for people with a disability. In doing so, it also highlights further questions and where future research efforts could be focused.
Drawing on interviews with students in regional and rural areas of the Northern Territory, this paper looks at their participation in education and training. The paper suggests that learning strategies which acknowledge rural learners' identities may be successful in engaging regional and remote learners in education and training.
The participation of Australians in vocational education and training (VET) varies a great deal in terms of levels of training, industry fields and demographic aspects; that is, age, gender, locality and socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to undertake an analysis of various aspects of VET participation by age, gender, socioeconomic status and Australian Qualifications Framework level. Information for Queensland and South Australia is also provided to illustrate the capacity to analyse this information at a state/territory level.
This report examines participation in vocational education and training (VET) across different regions of Australia. It does this by presenting two main types of analysis: firstly, by mapping of regional participation rates, and, secondly, by regression analyses which, by using key regional data, predict participation and identify 'exceptional' regions, those with unusually high or low rates of participation, despite what might be expected, given their industry base and population. The report finds that there are large variations in participation across the regions, with participation stronger in rural areas, particularly for basic and middle levels.
The vocational education and training sector (VET) has a reputation for providing learners with a second chance. This report critically examines this idea, and finds that although VET provides opportunities for a second chance at education to many prospective students, the percentage who complete their studies and gain a qualification is modest.