TAFE institutes offering higher education degrees is a relatively new concept, but the practice is expected to grow as a consequence of government policies aimed at increasing the percentage of Australians holding a bachelor degree. Five research overviews have been developed to accompany the research report on this issue. These overviews draw out the implications of the research for TAFE teachers and managers, staff development and public policy, as well as the issues raised in relation to the status of TAFE degrees.
This report considers different perspectives of higher education qualifications offered by TAFE institutes, focusing on associate degrees and degrees.
The level of enterprise expenditure on training in Australia appears to be growing, and now compares favourably with countries often held as models for national policy and practice. This report outlines a range of policy options employed internationally, including levies, leverage and partnership arrangements to enhance employer contributions to training. Ultimately, the authors find decisions about expenditure on training depends on employers' interests, values and commitments. If new policies are to be effective and build upon enterprises' commitment to training, it is critical they align with employers' needs, and receive enterprise commitment. For government, a key strategic policy goal is to improve employers' perception of the value of training to increase levels of expenditure.
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).