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.
The report outlines the major research into literacy and numeracy as related to VET carried out during the 1990s. To do this, it brings together work relevant to the development of notions of literacy and numeracy generally, but focussing on the adult context. It deals with the complexities of the relationships between VET and workplaces and schools as well as the language, literacy, numeracy relationship. The report includes relevant policy developments and practice in the field. All this is seen within a framing of human and social capital and lifelong learning.