All publications

Most disadvantaged learners enrol in lower-level VET qualifications as a starting point to… Show more

Most disadvantaged learners enrol in lower-level VET qualifications as a starting point to re-engaging in education, which makes the transition to university less likely. 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

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

This study explores the aspirations and intentions for university education among low SES and… Show more

This study explores the aspirations and intentions for university education among low SES and regional school students and looks at how peer mentoring might influence them. Show less

In this phone interview, Hielke Buddelmeyer, talks about the impact of education and training on… Show more

In this phone interview, Hielke Buddelmeyer, talks about the impact of education and training on social exclusion using a multidimensional measure that focuses on seven domains. Show less

Increasing education and training is considered one means by which to reduce the extent of social… Show more

Increasing education and training is considered one means by which to reduce the extent of social exclusion and as such has been a key focus in recent public policies. This study investigates the impact of education and training on the extent of social exclusion using a measure of multidimensional social exclusion. A simulation of the effect of the COAG target relating to halving the proportion Show less

Lorraine Dearden talks in this podcast about work she has co-authored on widening participation in… Show more

Lorraine Dearden talks in this podcast about work she has co-authored on widening participation in higher education in the United Kingdom (UK). Show less

This paper provides a conceptual basis for a three-year (2011–13) research program exploring the… Show more

This paper provides a conceptual basis for a three-year (2011–13) research program exploring the capacity of individuals and groups to make transitions through learning, training and work across locations.  Three research projects will examine how regional or community factors and social capital affect those transitions. The three projects are: the influence of job conditions on geographic Show less

This paper quantifies the impact of different dimensions of socioeconomic disadvantage on Year 12… Show more

This paper quantifies the impact of different dimensions of socioeconomic disadvantage on Year 12 completion. Show less

Ensuring all Australians have equal access to education has been a key driver of state and federal… Show more

Ensuring all Australians have equal access to education has been a key driver of state and federal governments since the late 1980s. 'Lifting' skills of individuals through education, training and employment is an integral focus of public policies to redress disadvantage and improve social inclusion. Using Australian and international research, this At a glance explores how vocational education Show less

Experiencing financial hardship is detrimental to both individuals and the community. For some,… Show more

Experiencing financial hardship is detrimental to both individuals and the community. For some, trying to break out of this situation can be extremely difficult as they may not have access to, or be lacking, the skills or resources that could help. However, education can help with research showing increasing the level of education and training is an effective means of reducing the likelihood of 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 purpose of this study was to identify the factors which help successful equity initiatives that … Show more

The purpose of this study was to identify the factors which help successful equity initiatives that had been seeded in TAFE institutes through short-term funding to take root and spread. The report concludes that many equity programs remain stuck in the seeding stage and fail to thrive and grow. It suggests that this is because current funding approaches place too much emphasis on starting 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

Examines recent Australian research in the area of flexible delivery of training. Issues uncovered… Show more

Examines recent Australian research in the area of flexible delivery of training. Issues uncovered include the need for future research to focus on managing change and to address the learning aspects associated with flexible delivery. Show less