The use and value of qualifications has gained a significant amount of policy attention in recent years. This study examines the use of qualifications within the recruitment searching and decision-making processes undertaken by employers in the labour market. It uses data gained from a survey of 359 employers from across Australia. The results verify that employers place higher value on personal qualities, previous work experience and experience in their particular industry. Most employers acknowledge that while qualifications signal greater potential for learning and skills acquisition, they see them as weaker signals for more immediate competence.
This report focusses on the implementation of vocational education and training (VET) in schools over the period 1996-1999. The report is comprehensive and provides an overview of school-based VET, historic and international aspects of vocationalism in secondary schooling, policy influences on the implementation of VET in secondary schools in Australia, a statistical description of VET provision in Australian secondary schools, a description of school-level implementation, discussion of cost and resourcing issues and then a suggested blueprint for school-based VET. Part 2 elaborates on the major findings and issues presented in part 1 and is available as a pdf file only.