Australia's national VET data custodian

2009 publications

1 – 10 of 10 results
Assessing the impact of NCVER's research

By John Stanwick, Jo Hargreaves, Francesca Beddie

This study examines where and how NCVER's research has influenced vocational education and training (VET) policy and practice.

Understanding vocational education and training, productivity and workforce participation: An issues paper

By Justine Evesson, Tanya Bretherton, John Buchanan, Mike Rafferty, Gillian Considine

This issues paper reports on the findings from the first year of a three-year program of research by the University of Sydney's Workplace Research Centre. The overarching aim of the research is to investigate how, if at all, vocational education and training can make a difference in improving productivity and workforce participation. The authors describe four domains of social and economic practice in which to frame the second and third year's research, and the key challenges for workforce development in two particular industries: meat processing, and early education and care.

Informal learning: At a glance

By Sian Halliday-Wynes, Francesca Beddie

This at a glance considers the learning that goes on daily in a variety of everyday contexts: from the workplace to the home, and through technology and the mass media. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, informal learning is by far the most prevalent form of adult learning. This type of learning offers benefits to all age groups and people, including older workers, migrant groups and refugees, and people who are disengaged from learning. It is also of great benefit to small business who lack the resources to formally train staff and plays an important role in the workplace.

Regenerating the Australian landscape of professional VET practice: Practitioner-driven changes to teaching and learning - Research overview

By Jane Figgis

An overview of research on innovative teaching and learning practice in Australia is discussed in this publication, which was based on discussions with practitioners and vocational education and training (VET) managers responsible for teaching and learning. It examines why and how people are changing their pedagogy, and with what results. It found that improvements in teaching and learning practice arise from a perceived need to change. The imperatives to change are usually locally based and their success is dependent on a commitment by all those supporting the learner. Practice is best shared through effective mentoring and by using networks effectively.

The demand for training

By Tom Karmel, Mark Cully

This paper was presented at the Skills Australia, Academy of Social Sciences seminar in Sydney in September 2008. This paper examines the demand for training. It concentrates on the factors that affect individual and employer demand, and points out that accredited vocational education and training (VET) need to be considered in the context of extensive use of non-accredited and on-the-job training.

Skills planning for industry growth: A case study of the Katherine arts industry

By Catherine Curry

The findings of a cultural industries skills audit undertaken in 2008 in Katherine, Northern Territory, are explored. The case study focusses in particular on the practical challenges and implications of auditing skills in a diverse industry sector and considers the usefulness of such an audit in preparing an industry for predicted change. This paper is the result of a 2008 NCVER New Researcher Award.