This research examines innovative solutions developed by the vocational education and training (VET) sector in response to skill shortages in the health sector. The study focuses on VET-trained workers in the health industry, and includes enrolled nurses, nursing assistants, personal care assistants, allied health assistants and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. The research, which also examines innovative overseas approaches to skill shortages in this industry, found that a partnership approach was one answer to dealing with skills shortages in this sector.
Seasonal work is crucial for the many rural regions reliant on seasonal industries such as agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism. This report examines the diverse nature of the seasonal workforce in two locations and the approaches used in their training. The report finds that the seasonal workforce is diverse and has varied training needs. Like others marginally attached to the workforce, much of their training is informal. Seasonal workers have difficulty accessing formal training and having their informal learning properly recognised. More formal training approaches are particularly relevant for those making a career of seasonal work. Barriers for employers to formal training include lack of suitable customised training programs, a lack of awareness of available training, cost, complex funding arrangements, and a low value placed on such training. Enhancers to formal training include employers who encourage and value training for their workforce, the use of brokers to assist employers to access training, and training providers with in-depth knowledge of regional industry and enterprises to meet the diverse needs of seasonal workers, and legislative requirements.
This report investigates the medium-term outcomes of vocational education and training (VET) programs delivered by rural schools. It discovers school-based VET programs successfully retain students who may have left school, and assist students' transition from school to work. Work placements are particularly valuable to assist the transition from school to local jobs and apprenticeships, thereby increasing youth retention in the community. These findings suggest school-based VET programs in rural areas have the potential to develop skills and pathways for the future workforce of rural Australia. Additional information to this report is available in 'Pathways from rural schools: Does school VET make a difference? - Support document' on NCVER's website .