This study examines the linkages between vocational education and training (VET) and industry in China and Australia. It details each country's arrangements for the provision of industry advice to governments and discusses industry-specific programs and skill development activities, including apprenticeships. It notes how changes in the economic, political and educational philosophies of Chinese governments have affected the operation of the linkages there, and how industry associations and organisations can play a larger role in the training of the population. It also notes the importance of employer incentives for increasing the participation of industry in training.
During the past decade both Australia and China have implemented reforms to their educational systems to develop labour force skills for the new globalised markets. This report describes the major features of the vocational education and training sectors in China and Australia, and their strategies and reforms, with emphasis on links between secondary and post-secondary vocational education and training.