All publications

This study explores how industry in regional areas addresses skill needs realistically and… Show more

This study explores how industry in regional areas addresses skill needs realistically and economically. Labour shortages are far more crucial to industry than skill issues. The study found that enterprises, when they train, use in-house and private registered training organisations to supplement provision by technical and further education (TAFE) institutes. Show less

This report examines the nature and effectiveness of 'inclusiveness' strategies implemented by TAFE … Show more

This report examines the nature and effectiveness of 'inclusiveness' strategies implemented by TAFE institutes in Australia. Inclusiveness strategies address barriers to participation in vocational education and training (VET) experienced by disadvantaged people, thereby maximising the stock of skills available to industry. The research identified three approaches to inclusiveness: compliance, Show less

The participation of Australians in vocational education and training (VET) varies a great deal in… Show more

The participation of Australians in vocational education and training (VET) varies a great deal in terms of levels of training, industry fields and demographic aspects; that is, age, gender, locality and socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to undertake an analysis of various aspects of VET participation by age, gender, socioeconomic status and Australian Qualifications Framework Show less

This report examines participation in vocational education and training (VET) across different… Show more

This report examines participation in vocational education and training (VET) across different regions of Australia. It does this by presenting two main types of analysis: firstly, by mapping of regional participation rates, and, secondly, by regression analyses which, by using key regional data, predict participation and identify 'exceptional' regions, those with unusually high or low rates of Show less

Vocational education and training (VET) has a role to play in sustainable regional development.… Show more

Vocational education and training (VET) has a role to play in sustainable regional development. Through five regional case studies this research examines how well VET is tailoring supply to skill needs, how VET has become more flexible to obtain a better match between demand and supply, and whether partnerships have been linked to whole-of-government frameworks in ways which support sustainable Show less

This project focuses on the interpersonal networking processes, or non-market mechanisms, through… Show more

This project focuses on the interpersonal networking processes, or non-market mechanisms, through which training needs are signalled to VET providers in a rural region. A detailed single case-study approach shows that VET users also consider interpersonal relationships, based on trust, when selecting programs for participation. Show less

There has been much research and discussion about how people with a disability engage with… Show more

There has been much research and discussion about how people with a disability engage with vocational education and training (VET). This paper summarises what we know about VET participation, education and employment outcomes, and the costs and benefits of vocational education and training for people with a disability. In doing so, it also highlights further questions and where future research Show less

This research examines how vocational education and training (VET) providers can create an… Show more

This research examines how vocational education and training (VET) providers can create an environment where learning becomes a central, natural, ongoing and integral part of the way they work. It does this by exploring what research says are the key features needed to foster effective learning in the workplace. It then uses this research to develop and trial an instrument which larger providers Show less

This report forms part of a comprehensive research program that has examined issues related to… Show more

This report forms part of a comprehensive research program that has examined issues related to building the organisational capability of vocational education and training providers. In particular, this report focuses on the current state of human resource management practice in both technical and further education and private registered training organisations. It also provides an assessment of Show less

This publication outlines the outcomes of forums held in 2005 to introduce the consortium research… Show more

This publication outlines the outcomes of forums held in 2005 to introduce the consortium research program which has investigated ways of building VET provider capability. It found a range of issues were of concern to participants as they considered how registered training organisations might position themselves to meet the demands of their various clients in the future. In particular, they noted Show less

This paper investigates large differences in employer satisfaction with vocational education and… Show more

This paper investigates large differences in employer satisfaction with vocational education and training (VET) between 2005 and 2007. Differences in weighted estimates of employer satisfaction are examined in light of sample sizes and the distribution of employers' responses to the Survey of Employer Use and Views of the VET System. Show less

This national study confirms the value of cross-cultural training in developing the cultural… Show more

This national study confirms the value of cross-cultural training in developing the cultural competence needed by employees to work effectively with culturally diverse co-workers and customers. The 134 graduates surveyed rated their cross-cultural training highly, reporting improved workplace performance and cultural self-awareness, with most indicating they would like further cross-cultural Show less

Design is an increasingly important component of our world-at-work. This project reveals the views… Show more

Design is an increasingly important component of our world-at-work. This project reveals the views of design educators working within vocational education and training (VET). Research participants called for a review of design education teaching methods in the VET context, with a particular focus on promoting innovation and creativity in diploma level programs. Show less

This study explores the experiences and initiatives of vocational education and training (VET)… Show more

This study explores the experiences and initiatives of vocational education and training (VET) providers in three areas: income sources and mixes, 'thin markets' in VET, and research and development. Practices and policies are evolving in these three areas. The report contributes to a deeper understanding of the scope and range of VET activities in a competitive environment and the factors that Show less

On the whole, educational achievements and outcomes from vocational education and training (VET)… Show more

On the whole, educational achievements and outcomes from vocational education and training (VET) are relatively poor for students reporting a disability. This paper sought to isolate the direct effect of being a member of a particular disability group. It found that the direct effect of the disability differs between groups, and is highest for those with a mental illness, a medical condition or a Show less

This paper explores the issue of how vocational education and training (VET) is actually used in… Show more

This paper explores the issue of how vocational education and training (VET) is actually used in the labour market, in particular the match between what people study and the jobs they get. This match is pretty poor in most occupational groups with the exception of the trades. However, the paper concludes that the mismatch reflects the generic nature of VET rather than wastage. This view is Show less

This report reveals that the formation and maintenance of social partnerships depends on five key… Show more

This report reveals that the formation and maintenance of social partnerships depends on five key principles relating to purposes and goals; relations with partners; capacity for partnership work; governance and leadership; and trust and trustworthiness. Using four partnerships as case studies, the report set out to assess how these principles and practices can be used to develop social Show less

This report is the final report - the synthesis report - from the research program, A well-skilled… Show more

This report is the final report - the synthesis report - from the research program, A well-skilled future: Tailoring VET to the emerging labour market. This overview draws together the key points identified across the research and integrates the conclusions from each of the five research themes to produce a coherent picture of the vocational education and training (VET) sector's role in Show less

The aim of the research was to identify whether, and how, the demand for the types of skills… Show more

The aim of the research was to identify whether, and how, the demand for the types of skills provided by the vocational education and training (VET) sector was likely to change in the years to 2011. This research has adopted a different approach to investigating future demand for skills: instead of utilising proxies for skills, such as qualification, earnings or nominal occupation, this research Show less

The aim of this research was to identify approaches used by a select number of overseas… Show more

The aim of this research was to identify approaches used by a select number of overseas countries-the United Kingdom, China, Singapore, Norway and Germany-in their attempts to match the supply of skills with current and projected skill needs. The study focuses on the mechanisms used by, or on behalf of, governments to influence the formal and informal processes and outcomes of skills formation. Show less