All publications

VET outcomes may be improved if training providers take a more regional approach to course… Show more

VET outcomes may be improved if training providers take a more regional approach to course offerings and institutional learning support. Show less

What role does vocational education and training play in enabling students to fully participate in… Show more

What role does vocational education and training play in enabling students to fully participate in social and economic life? Show less

Parental influence plays a significant role in their children's educational aspirations.

Parental influence plays a significant role in their children's educational aspirations. Show less

Young people's intentions to pursue post-school study established in secondary school.

Young people's intentions to pursue post-school study established in secondary school. Show less

While much research has been conducted on the influence of individual and family characteristics on … Show more

While much research has been conducted on the influence of individual and family characteristics on social exclusion, very little has examined the role of community and neighbourhood factors. Show less

This research report examines the underutilisation of the skills of migrants in regional areas,… Show more

This research report examines the underutilisation of the skills of migrants in regional areas, particularly women who are often the spouse of a primary applicant but are also skilled in their own right. Show less

The authors of this paper explore whether low socioeconomic status (SES) students benefit to a… Show more

The authors of this paper explore whether low socioeconomic status (SES) students benefit to a greater or lesser extent from attending high-quality schools when compared with their more advantaged peers. Show less

This study provides new evidence on the inter-relationships between Indigenous Australians'… Show more

This study provides new evidence on the inter-relationships between Indigenous Australians' association with their traditional culture and their engagement with vocational education and training. Show less

In this podcast, Sue Webb, a researcher, talks about the initial findings from work looking at the… Show more

In this podcast, Sue Webb, a researcher, talks about the initial findings from work looking at the use of migrant women's skills in regional areas. Show less

This overview looks at the key findings of Mike Dockery's report 'Cultural dimensions of Indigenous … Show more

This overview looks at the key findings of Mike Dockery's report 'Cultural dimensions of Indigenous participation in education and training' and shows that, in both remote and non-remote areas, those with a stronger attachment to their culture had greater educational success. However, it also reveals that the report is a complex one, and the way the data are analysed is key to the findings. Show less

In this interview, Steve Davis talks with researcher Michael Dockery about his report, 'Cultural… Show more

In this interview, Steve Davis talks with researcher Michael Dockery about his report, 'Cultural dimensions of Indigenous participation in education and training'. This study provides an important innovation to the existing literature by explicitly attempting to measure 'cultural attachment' and its relationship with post-compulsory education and training. Show less

This study provides an important innovation to the existing literature by explicitly attempting to… Show more

This study provides an important innovation to the existing literature by explicitly attempting to measure 'cultural attachment' and its relationship with post-compulsory education and training. Show less

The primary purpose of this project is to produce a set of guidelines on how to deliver adult… Show more

The primary purpose of this project is to produce a set of guidelines on how to deliver adult literacy and numeracy education and training using a social capital approach. Show less

Recent research in the vocational education and training (VET) sector shows that students are… Show more

Recent research in the vocational education and training (VET) sector shows that students are gaining a range of benefits from their studies, beyond expected course outcomes. Students are developing new networks, and gaining confidence and self esteem through the respect received from their teachers and classmates. For some students, these advantages help them to find work and interact more Show less

The purpose of this paper looks at the fundamental issue of whether VET does improve the employment … Show more

The purpose of this paper looks at the fundamental issue of whether VET does improve the employment prospects of the groups in question. It exploits data from the Student Outcome Survey to construct samples that proxy three welfare groups and models the post-training employment outcomes. Show less

Understanding Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system can be daunting for… Show more

Understanding Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system can be daunting for observers. This paper, written as a background paper for a visit from the OECD, describes Australia's VET system and how it relates to the broader set of education and learning options that are available to Australians. Show less

The findings of a cultural industries skills audit undertaken in 2008 in Katherine, Northern… Show more

The findings of a cultural industries skills audit undertaken in 2008 in Katherine, Northern Territory, are explored. The case study focusses in particular on the practical challenges and implications of auditing skills in a diverse industry sector and considers the usefulness of such an audit in preparing an industry for predicted change. This paper is the result of a 2008 NCVER New Researcher 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

Organisational capability is recognised as a key to organisational success. The combination of… Show more

Organisational capability is recognised as a key to organisational success. The combination of human capital (peoples' skills and knowledge), social capital (relationships between people) and organisational capital (the organisation's processes), is central to building an organisation's capability. The presentation highlights the lessons learnt about building VET provider capability from an 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