In this 30 minute podcast, Steve Davis talks with Tom Karmel, Erica Smith and Damian Oliver on insights from research into apprenticeships.textInterested in the story behind the numbers, Tom discusses the findings from his work on individual completion rates that show occupation and employers' size matters, with the implication being that the relationship between employer and apprentice is critical. Erica talks about the all too often unspoken expectations of apprentices and employers—the psychological contract. She finds that writing down these expectations at the start of an apprenticeship does help all parties. Damian examines whether pre-apprenticeship programs deliver on their promise of improved retention rates and finds their impact varies by occupation and prior education level. Implications for policy-makers and training providers are drawn out throughout the podcast.
This study explores the common features of high-quality traineeships using case studies from the cleaning, child care, construction, retail, finance and insurance, and meat processing areas.
This project examines different ways in which young people still at school experience workplaces through paid work, vocational placements and work experience. The study is based on a survey of students in Years 10, 11 and 12 in 13 schools in NSW and SA. In fact, 1451 responses were received. In addition, case studies were carried out in five schools.
This report is a review of the literature, available research and current Australian practice on work placements. Its purpose is to draw together findings on work placements from three educational sectors in order to inform policy and practice in the VET sector.