Recognition of prior learning is a crucial element in lifelong learning, but limited information exists about skills recognition implementation and outcomes within Australian enterprises. This study examines the nature of recognition within individual enterprises, including the processes employed, strategies in place for promotion and support, and perceived benefits for enterprises and employees. It finds a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to recognition of prior learning is rarely effective, but should be linked to the enterprise's overall business and training plans, which ensures it evolves as part of the organisations' needs. For enterprises, recognition of prior learning offers whole-of-organisation benefits, including confirmation of employees' skills and corporate information developed over time, and greater training efficiencies. Employees reveal both personal and organisational benefits, such as having existing personal skills recognised and certified, identifying skill gaps, and achieving nationally recognised and portable qualifications which are recognised outside the enterprise.
Vocational education and training (VET) can assist rural communities develop the necessary skills to survive and prosper in changing social and economic environments. This report investigates the implementation of training packages in five rural communities, and the strategies providers, community and industry stakeholders use to achieve positive outcomes. Providers in the rural communities reveal that flexibility is the key to successful training. However, some funding and delivery policies/regulations hinder their efforts. The authors find that policies and incentives that support collaboration will assist training diversity in non-metropolitan Australia.
Training packages are a key reform of the vocational education and training (VET) system. This report describes how the implementation of training packages has led to new, flexible approaches to training and assessment at six case study sites. It also shows this implementation has affected the role of registered training organisations, industry bodies, and enterprises. While most of these changes were positive, the case studies also revealed challenges experienced when these new approaches were implemented.
This report explores the ways in which quality is defined and understood within vocational education and training (VET) systems, and the indicators that various systems and institutions have adopted around the world. The quality indicators have been brought together into an evaluative framework and reveal Australia's need to consider how to accommodate the aspirations of learners in a changing society and to better meet broad community needs.
Assessing generic skills in a selection of training packages is the focus of this report. Based on case studies, the authors also examine how these skills are understood by trainers and learners. The report contains a comprehensive literature review of assessment of generic skills.
The implementation and management of recognition of prior learning (RPL) by registered training organisations following the introduction of Australian Quality Training Framework standards are reviewed in this report. Proposals to support registered training organisations' compliance with RPL in the standards are also included. The report is based on work commissioned by the Australian National Training Authority to identify and analyse the barriers that affect the implementation of RPL, and to advise the National Training Quality Council.
This study explored retention in apprenticeships and traineeships and factors that influence this process. The study is based on interviews with over 400 apprentices and trainees as well as with teachers, trainers and workplace supervisors. The study identifies a range of personal, industry, labour market, workplace and training factors that contribute to the likelihood of an apprentice or trainee completing their training. The study concludes with the view that retention is the collective responsibility of all parties involved - the individual, the employer and the provider of training.