All publications

Innovation, from high profile scientific discoveries to lower profile changes in processes or… Show more

Innovation, from high profile scientific discoveries to lower profile changes in processes or practices, is crucial to Australia's economic development. However, its impact on the wider community is usually relatively small. Promotion of innovation across all sectors is required to produce the biggest changes. This report focuses on the roles of the vocational education and training (VET) sectors Show less

The focus of the Western Australia correction system on more rehabilitation and the provision of… Show more

The focus of the Western Australia correction system on more rehabilitation and the provision of skills is designed to assist offenders gain self-sufficiency. This report examines the study and work experiences of state prisoners before and during their incarceration and their expectations of post-release outcomes. It finds that differences in work and study patterns result from choices made by Show less

This paper provides an overview of the factors which influence and drive Australia's technical and… Show more

This paper provides an overview of the factors which influence and drive Australia's technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector. It details the objectives of Australia's national strategy for TVET from 2004 to 2010, and key initiatives of the sector to meet the changing economic and technological environment: a review of training packages, and a review of the national standards Show less

Vocational education and training (VET) policy is increasingly focused on the importance of quality … Show more

Vocational education and training (VET) policy is increasingly focused on the importance of quality in each VET institution's capacity to deliver effective programs. This report addresses institutional-level monitoring and evaluation of performance and provides a comprehensive model which institutes can use for this purpose. The model draws on background theory and practice and identifies a range Show less

Innovation in business, particularly across the major industries on which Australia's economy… Show more

Innovation in business, particularly across the major industries on which Australia's economy rests, requires a skilled workforce. This book of research readings explores the role Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector can fulfill to assist business innovation. In doing so, various chapters consider the implications of innovation for Australian workers and identify the VET Show less

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector over the past few years have… Show more

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector over the past few years have brought about significant changes to the work of VET staff and the focus of their roles. This publication summarises recent research into the changing roles of VET leaders, managers, teaching and support staff, and the way they work. The role of senior managers is increasingly focused on the Show less

This report summarises an extensive study of adult literacy policies and practices in vocational… Show more

This report summarises an extensive study of adult literacy policies and practices in vocational education in six countries - Canada, New Zealand, United States, Ireland, United Kingdom and Australia. The policies and programs of the six countries were compared across policy contexts and concepts, program development and delivery, and regulatory frameworks, product development and quality Show less

Limited research has been undertaken to identify and examine systemic issues associated with the… Show more

Limited research has been undertaken to identify and examine systemic issues associated with the provision of vocational education and training (VET) to equity groups. This report focuses on the institutional relationships and policies that determine equity provision, and proposes three principles for framing equity practices. The principles are: local policies and strategies must reflect the Show less

Highly innovative organisations demonstrate six key characteristics. They create learning cultures… Show more

Highly innovative organisations demonstrate six key characteristics. They create learning cultures which promote innovation as a core organisational capability; employ leaders who are 'failure-tolerant'; identify innovators; reward people who propose innovative ideas; use partnerships; and, promote innovation through teams. This report analyses how well vocational education and training (VET) Show less

Building equity into Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system is a key component… Show more

Building equity into Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system is a key component of the National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 2004-2010. This book of readings aims to contribute to this important facet of the national strategic plan. The book reviews the achievements equity groups have made, reports on the issues they face, and discusses how to integrate equity Show less

Multinational corporations are significant in the global economy, and increasingly important to… Show more

Multinational corporations are significant in the global economy, and increasingly important to national economies. Based on a literature review and 12 case studies of multinational corporations operating in Australia, the study finds the quality of the domestic VET-skilled workforce is ranked equal third in importance, out of fifteen factors, when deciding to invest in Australia. To make the VET Show less

Vocational education and training (VET) can assist rural communities develop the necessary skills… Show more

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 Show less

Indigenous engagement with vocational education and training (VET) has improved significantly, but… Show more

Indigenous engagement with vocational education and training (VET) has improved significantly, but successful Indigenous completion rates are lower nationally when compared to the overall population. This report, based on an action research project, examines intra-institutional factors at four Queensland TAFE institutes to better understand and take action on issues affecting Indigenous Show less

There are differences between, and among, people in ethnic communities. This study seeks to provide … Show more

There are differences between, and among, people in ethnic communities. This study seeks to provide a more nuanced snapshot of vocational education and training (VET) participation and completion rates among Arabic, Bosnian, Cantonese, Spanish, Turkish, and Vietnamese communities. It investigates the effectiveness of English as a second language programs as a pathway to training. Overall, the Show less

Australia's competitive success with innovation-based products and services is an influential… Show more

Australia's competitive success with innovation-based products and services is an influential factor to its long-term prosperity. This study examines the role of vocational education and training (VET) and occupations in innovative industries and firms. The authors find VET is vital to developing knowledge and practical skills across a broad range of occupations, and people in vocational Show less

This report provides insights into the school-to-work transition of 72 young people from a… Show more

This report provides insights into the school-to-work transition of 72 young people from a low-income region, who undertook an industry-specific school vocational education and training (VET) program. The training program was a one-year building and construction industry initiative, which involved schools, industry and TAFE. The majority of students reported confidence, enthusiasm, and Show less

The importance of close connections between vocational education and training (VET) systems and… Show more

The importance of close connections between vocational education and training (VET) systems and industry is highlighted in this report. The report finds that any system of entry-level training, which aims to help students make a successful transition from school to work, must have support mechanisms and frameworks in place to enable accurate assessment of industry and labour market needs. From Show less

This report investigates students' learning experience at a TAFE institute and determines the… Show more

This report investigates students' learning experience at a TAFE institute and determines the factors that influence students to continue or discontinue their studies. Students who reported satisfaction with their learning experience highlighted relationships with teaching staff and respect for their expertise and organisation as significant factors in their experience. While students who were Show less

Possessing generic or employability skills is vital in the current labour market. The vocational… Show more

Possessing generic or employability skills is vital in the current labour market. The vocational education and training (VET) sector, like other education sectors, must ensure its clients gain and develop generic skills. This volume of readings summarises NCVER managed research into generic skills undertaken in 2001 and 2002. The work covers four main topics: defining and specifying generic skills Show less

This report provides a literature review and history of approaches to quality assurance of… Show more

This report provides a literature review and history of approaches to quality assurance of assessment in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia and overseas. It also examines eight potential models that can be used by individual or groups of assessors within a training organisation. The models include a diagnostic assessment tool, an assessment principles checklist, and Show less