As part of the three-year research program, 'Vocations: the link between post compulsory education and the labour market', this working paper sets the policy context and direction of the entry to vocations research stream. After looking at the current ‘in-school’ element of VET in Schools programs and jurisdictional differences, the paper raises a set of questions for discussion. For example, are more advanced and intense programs of VET in Schools needed to deliver stronger labour market outcomes? Do VET in Schools programs need to be more directly connected with post-school VET programs?
This report examines the nature and effectiveness of 'inclusiveness' strategies implemented by TAFE institutes in Australia. Inclusiveness strategies address barriers to participation in vocational education and training (VET) experienced by disadvantaged people, thereby maximising the stock of skills available to industry. The research identified three approaches to inclusiveness: compliance, existing cohort and community obligation. It is accompanied by case studies.
Limited research has been undertaken to identify and examine systemic issues associated with the provision of vocational education and training (VET) to equity groups. This report focuses on the institutional relationships and policies that determine equity provision, and proposes three principles for framing equity practices. The principles are: local policies and strategies must reflect the complexities of disadvantage and need to consider the context of the community; equity strategies must reach the appropriate disadvantaged individuals through well managed, committed and flexible staff who have adequate resources; and, equity strategies must be continuously reviewed and re-invented to remain effective and dynamic.
A comparison of nine vocational education and training (VET) systems from countries across Europe, East Asia, and North and South America. This study examines the variables that best define and influence the character, behaviour and apparent success of VET systems and the impact of change on these variables.
The past decade has seen an increasing volume and range of research on adult and community education (ACE) in Australia, sponsored by multiple sources, and targetted to multiple audiences for professional, philosophical, financial and political purposes. This report provides a consolidation of this large body of qualitative and quantitative research on the scope of ACE participation patterns, on outcomes and contributions of ACE and opportunities and challenges facing ACE throughout the decade. It identifies the key strands of research effort as well as the research gaps, and offers suggestions for future research directions.
This report provides a picture of adult and community education (ACE) provision of VET programs in Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia and in so doing provides a broadly based picture of the ACE sector as a whole. The report provides evidence of the capacity of the ACE sector to effectively address learner needs and to help learners link together learning. It also notes that while ACE provides considerable benefits to disadvantaged groups, many people with substantial prior educational background also choose to make use of ACE.
Provides a summary of the major research conducted into the issue of the participation in VET programs by those with a non-English-speaking background. It covers who they are, the policy agenda, their participation in programs, the outcomes achieved and factors influencing both participation and outcomes.