All publications

This research suggests that while mixed-sector and dual-sector providers are still only small in… Show more

This research suggests that while mixed-sector and dual-sector providers are still only small in number, they likely to become more important but they face specific challenges in the quality of their provision.  Show less

This report provides a portrait of the initial formal training for VET teachers in private and… Show more

This report provides a portrait of the initial formal training for VET teachers in private and public registered training organisations. It describes the features and content of generic courses offered both in the VET sector and higher education ranging from certificate IV TAA to graduate diplomas. It also provides details about the characteristics and numbers of students enrolled in a range of Show less

This report looks at the potential use of information from the Student Outcomes Survey, including… Show more

This report looks at the potential use of information from the Student Outcomes Survey, including the use of student course satisfaction information and post-study outcomes, as a means of determining markers of training quality. Show less

This paper examines initial VET teacher training from the late 1979s to the present, based on the… Show more

This paper examines initial VET teacher training from the late 1979s to the present, based on the literature and the author's personal experiences. While much has changed, many of the issues and approaches that are apparent in the early literature remain the same today. There is cause for optimism and the author proposes a number of approaches to improve the quality and relevance of initial Show less

Governments are interested in the relative efficiency of institutions, and in addition, information … Show more

Governments are interested in the relative efficiency of institutions, and in addition, information on efficiency can be used by individual institutions to benchmark themselves against their peers. The main factor that was found to affect efficiency, as defined in this paper, was degree of remoteness. Further, institute size is an important factor, with smaller institutes tending to be less Show less

This discussion paper arises from a research project investigating the extent to which… Show more

This discussion paper arises from a research project investigating the extent to which practitioners believe the Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAA04) qualification provides an effective foundation for the delivery and assessment of training in the VET environment. This paper focuses on the history of the TAA04 and outlines some of the key issues relating to the quality of delivery. The Show less

This good practice guide is based on research that set out to identify the features of high-quality … Show more

This good practice guide is based on research that set out to identify the features of high-quality traineeships and those factors that either facilitate or inhibit their quality. To assist providers and employers offering traineeships, the guide sets out the features of good traineeships, starting from the recruitment phase through to completion. Show less

This study explores the common features of high-quality  traineeships using case studies from the… Show more

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. Show less

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the quality and accessibility of underpinning… Show more

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the quality and accessibility of underpinning knowledge in competency-based training. It uses the Vocational Graduate Certificate and the Vocational Graduate Diploma in Education Design in a Queensland TAFE institute to examine how the 'traditional' knowledge and theory associated with higher-level qualifications can be accommodated within the Show less

Building organisational capability relies on effective workforce development. This study examines… Show more

Building organisational capability relies on effective workforce development. This study examines the processes that registered training organisations (RTO) use to make workforce development decisions. It also looked at how well these align to the personal decisions RTO staff make about their own development. The research found that workforce development needs to be comprehensive, well integrated Show less

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report… Show more

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future'. Show less

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in… Show more

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future' focused on approaches to help VET providers build their capability. These eight papers include a program overview, key contextual issues of concern to VET stakeholders, as well as the overall findings and key messages of each specific research activity. An MP3 audio Show less

This paper highlights the importance of using quality survey instruments to collect data about… Show more

This paper highlights the importance of using quality survey instruments to collect data about student satisfaction. It discusses the challenges involved in collecting quality student satisfaction data and describes a structural equation model as a possible means of designing and collecting this data. Since this paper was presented at the 2007 No Frills conference, a national survey instrument Show less

This report identifies what individual learners and industry clients want from vocational education … Show more

This report identifies what individual learners and industry clients want from vocational education and training (VET) and proposes how these needs can best be met. It also identifies a tension between compliance and creativity which needs to be addressed in quality frameworks at the system level. In addition, providers need to reshape their structures and modify their cultures so they are open Show less

The aim of this research is to define good practices which support partnerships between adult and… Show more

The aim of this research is to define good practices which support partnerships between adult and community education and vocational education and training, and identify negative practices which work against such collaborations. The research finds that strong and committed lead personnel, time, respect between organisations and a clear understanding of objectives are key factors for success. Each Show less

This guide aims to assist teachers by providing a set of 'good practice' strategies for designing… Show more

This guide aims to assist teachers by providing a set of 'good practice' strategies for designing effective literacy and numeracy programs for Indigenous VET students, and for building effective literacy and numeracy support into existing VET courses. Show less

This report provides an analysis of data gathered from vocational education and training (VET)… Show more

This report provides an analysis of data gathered from vocational education and training (VET) policy-makers, industry representatives, resource development managers and practitioners about their experiences and views on the uptake and implementation of equity learning resources. These resources are aimed at supporting trainers in teaching their students. A range of enablers and barriers to the Show less

Difficulty with literacy and numeracy is a significant barrier to Indigenous students accessing… Show more

Difficulty with literacy and numeracy is a significant barrier to Indigenous students accessing vocational education and training. This study explored the literacy and numeracy support systems available to Indigenous VET students and determined which systems work for both students and teachers and produce positive outcomes for Indigenous students, including successful completion. This has Show less

A stocktake of issues and activities in vocational education and training in schools through the… Show more

A stocktake of issues and activities in vocational education and training in schools through the perspectives of the published literature and policy documentation between 1997 and 2003 is the subject of this report. It identifies progress made and concludes that vocational programs in schools are meeting expectations and have achieved a legitimate place in the school curriculum, but that several Show less

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector have had a significant impact … Show more

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector have had a significant impact on practitioners' work in public and private providers. This study analyses practitioners' perceptions of, and reactions to, the changes. The scope of these changes has been substantial and has required shifts to practitioners' habits, norms, skills and knowledge. While the greatest changes have Show less