All publications

This national study confirms the value of cross-cultural training in developing the cultural compete… Show more

This national study confirms the value of cross-cultural training in developing the cultural competence needed by employees to work effectively with culturally diverse co-workers and customers. The 134 graduates surveyed rated their cross-cultural training highly, reporting improved workplace performance and cultural self-awareness, with most indicating they would like further cross-cultural training. Show less

Design is an increasingly important component of our world-at-work. This project reveals the views o… Show more

Design is an increasingly important component of our world-at-work. This project reveals the views of design educators working within vocational education and training (VET). Research participants called for a review of design education teaching methods in the VET context, with a particular focus on promoting innovation and creativity in diploma level programs. Show less

This study explores the experiences and initiatives of vocational education and training (VET) provi… Show more

This study explores the experiences and initiatives of vocational education and training (VET) providers in three areas: income sources and mixes, 'thin markets' in VET, and research and development. Practices and policies are evolving in these three areas. The report contributes to a deeper understanding of the scope and range of VET activities in a competitive environment and the factors that shape them. Show less

In this interview Steve Davis talks with researcher Fran Ferrier about her report 'Vocational educat… Show more

In this interview Steve Davis talks with researcher Fran Ferrier about her report 'Vocational education and training providers in competitive training markets', which looked at how practices and policies are evolving in the increasingly competitive environment of Australia's vocational education and training sector. Show less

Ways of assessing and acknowledging the range of outcomes in non-accredited community adult language… Show more

Ways of assessing and acknowledging the range of outcomes in non-accredited community adult language, literacy and numeracy programs are explored in this study. The instruments it tested take account of the diversity of learner needs and motivations. The study highlights that these assessment methods can bring benefits both to the learner and the tutor, especially when they are completed jointly in ways that inform learning plans and aim at building self-confidence. Show less

This suite of overviews provides a comprehensive summary of each of NCVER's managed adult literacy a… Show more

This suite of overviews provides a comprehensive summary of each of NCVER's managed adult literacy and numeracy research projects funded in late 2006. The suite of reports examine a wide range of literacy and numeracy issues - from its definition in policy-making terms, teaching and learning approaches and outcomes, to the professional development needs of literacy practitioners. The research also covers literacy practices and various approaches across Indigenous and ethnic communities, industry, volunteer and community settings. Show less

Through an analysis of major surveys, as well as interviews and case studies with firms in four indu… Show more

Through an analysis of major surveys, as well as interviews and case studies with firms in four industries - construction, retail trade, manufacturing and health and community services, this research brings us closer to an understanding of the factors that influence training expenditure. The research shows that survey data needs to be complemented with a program of research in a number of industries to provide a richer understanding of the drivers of employer expenditure and practices. Show less

This interview was conducted by Steve Davis with Victor Callan, about his report 'Accelerated appren… Show more

This interview was conducted by Steve Davis with Victor Callan, about his report 'Accelerated apprenticeships', which looked at recent pilots of accelerated apprenticeships in the automotive industry in Queensland. Show less

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building… Show more

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future' focused on approaches to help VET providers build their capability. These eight papers include a program overview, key contextual issues of concern to VET stakeholders, as well as the overall findings and key messages of each specific research activity. An MP3 audio interview with Berwyn Clayton and Roger Harris can also be streamed or downloaded from the NCVER website. Show less

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report 'S… Show more

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future'. Show less

On the whole, educational achievements and outcomes from vocational education and training (VET) are… Show more

On the whole, educational achievements and outcomes from vocational education and training (VET) are relatively poor for students reporting a disability. This paper sought to isolate the direct effect of being a member of a particular disability group. It found that the direct effect of the disability differs between groups, and is highest for those with a mental illness, a medical condition or a physical disability. Show less

Over the past ten years the changing landscape of society, work and education has led to significant… Show more

Over the past ten years the changing landscape of society, work and education has led to significant changes in career development services in Australia. This 'At a glance' gives an overview of recent research exploring how these services respond to the different client groups. Show less

In this interview Steve Davis talks with Tom Karmel about his report 'Is VET vocational?', which exp… Show more

In this interview Steve Davis talks with Tom Karmel about his report 'Is VET vocational?', which explores the issue of how vocational education and training (VET) is actually used in the labour market and in particular the match between what graduates study and the jobs they get. Show less

This paper explores the issue of how vocational education and training (VET) is actually used in the… Show more

This paper explores the issue of how vocational education and training (VET) is actually used in the labour market, in particular the match between what people study and the jobs they get. This match is pretty poor in most occupational groups with the exception of the trades. However, the paper concludes that the mismatch reflects the generic nature of VET rather than wastage. This view is reached because a relatively high percentage of graduates report their training is relevant even though they do not end up in their intended occupation. Show less

This research investigates cooperation amongst Australian firms with regard to training. It identifi… Show more

This research investigates cooperation amongst Australian firms with regard to training. It identifies the characteristics of firms that cooperate, the business practices that support such cooperation, the type of training delivered jointly and the benefits that arise. Show less

This report summarises the costs and benefits of studying for a VET qualification. It finds that gen… Show more

This report summarises the costs and benefits of studying for a VET qualification. It finds that generally students have an adequate economic incentive to enrol in VET. The best returns were for students who study higher-level qualifications (certificate III upwards), and do so part-time. Show less

Drawing on interviews with students in regional and rural areas of the Northern Territory, this pape… Show more

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. Show less

This paper presents some thoughts on the concept of the Tasmanian Polytechnic, drawing on a range of… Show more

This paper presents some thoughts on the concept of the Tasmanian Polytechnic, drawing on a range of research mostly undertaken by NCVER. It considers a number of 'goals' that are relevant to judging the success of the endeavour, including Year 12 retention and the completion of Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications, before making a number of observations on relevant issues. Show less

Course completion and student satisfaction is likely to be influenced by how realistic the expectati… Show more

Course completion and student satisfaction is likely to be influenced by how realistic the expectations of students are when they enrol. This report explores the idea that students' expectations would be more realistic if students have well developed career management competencies. Show less

This report examines non-completion of Year 12 at school for a nationally representative sample of y… Show more

This report examines non-completion of Year 12 at school for a nationally representative sample of young people who were 15 years old and still attending school in 2003. The study explores relationships between non-completion and selected socio-demographic and school-related factors, and changes in rates of school non-completion from the early 1980s to 2005. Research report no. 54 This report, published by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), is part of the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY) research program. Show less