All publications

This research summary explores the importance of altruistic intentions, fostering strong… Show more

This research summary explores the importance of altruistic intentions, fostering strong relationships, and embracing inclusive leadership within RTOs to achieve high performance. Show less

This research examines what high-quality VET delivery looks like in practice, how it is measured… Show more

This research examines what high-quality VET delivery looks like in practice, how it is measured and what are the barriers and enablers for registered training organisations (RTOs). Show less

Validation of assessment tools, processes and outcomes is an important element of the quality of… Show more

Validation of assessment tools, processes and outcomes is an important element of the quality of assessment in vocational education and training (VET). This research explores how registered training organisations (RTOs) conduct independent validation of assessment (IVA) and what industry involvement they have in these processes. Show less

This study canvassed the views of stakeholders in order to identify the key features of quality… Show more

This study canvassed the views of stakeholders in order to identify the key features of quality teaching in vocational education and training (VET) and how it might be improved. It also involved an environmental scan of VET capability frameworks and standards to determine key domains, roles and capabilities of VET teachers, and three case studies of pilot teacher professional development (PD) Show less

While statistical analysis cannot confirm a connection between course duration and subject pass… Show more

While statistical analysis cannot confirm a connection between course duration and subject pass rates, it has been identified as a key facilitating factor in consultation with providers, regulators and industry peak bodies. Show less

The Apprentices and trainees estimates review dashboard aims to assess the accuracy of the… Show more

The Apprentices and trainees estimates review dashboard aims to assess the accuracy of the estimates published by NCVER. This guide provides instructions on how to use the dashboard. Show less

New research shows the definition of a ‘quality’ VET sector can vary widely by stakeholder group… Show more

New research shows the definition of a ‘quality’ VET sector can vary widely by stakeholder group and expected training outcomes, making both explaining and measuring quality in Australia’s VET system more complicated than it seems. Show less

This paper captures the views arising from a symposium held on 9 August 2016, at which participants … Show more

This paper captures the views arising from a symposium held on 9 August 2016, at which participants considered training product reform from the perspective of industry, educators, students and regulators. Show less

How do different countries develop, endorse and review vocational education and training… Show more

How do different countries develop, endorse and review vocational education and training qualifications? Show less

This report explores some of the key issues associated with the assessment in VET and reflects on… Show more

This report explores some of the key issues associated with the assessment in VET and reflects on some possible solutions. Show less

As part of the three-year research program, 'Vocations: the link between post compulsory education… Show more

As part of the three-year research program, 'Vocations: the link between post compulsory education and the labour market', this working paper sets the policy context and direction of the entry to vocations research stream. After looking at the current ‘in-school’ element of VET in Schools programs and jurisdictional differences, the paper raises a set of questions for discussion. For example, Show less

In this 13 minute interview, Steve Davis talks with Leesa Wheelahan about the report 'Shaken not… Show more

In this 13 minute interview, Steve Davis talks with Leesa Wheelahan about the report 'Shaken not stirred? The development of one tertiary education sector in Australia'. This report examines universities that offer a small amount of VET and private providers that offer both VET and higher education, building on previous research examining TAFEs that offer higher education. This research suggests 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 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 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

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 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