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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

The ageing of the Australian population has become an issue of national concern. How ageing impacts … Show more

The ageing of the Australian population has become an issue of national concern. How ageing impacts on the supply of vocational skills is less well known, and different age groups vary in the extent and character of vocational skills they possess. This report analyses and quantifies the compositional effects of changing demographics on both the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of the 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

Employment options have altered dramatically over the past 15 years, with full-time and permanent… Show more

Employment options have altered dramatically over the past 15 years, with full-time and permanent employment no longer the 'standard'. This report examines changes in employment modes for various groups of workers and its effect on the level and extent of skills development. The report finds that there is reduced support for training by employers as a result of the changing employment patterns, 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 paper draws on a research project which developed a change management strategy to assist two… Show more

This paper draws on a research project which developed a change management strategy to assist two TAFE institutes in addressing and improving their planning culture. It outlines the principles and processes which emerged from the research and presents the guidelines for linking the strategic planning process to actions and performance within the different levels of a complex vocational education 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 study shows how a group of employers understand the provision of literacy, numeracy and… Show more

This study shows how a group of employers understand the provision of literacy, numeracy and employability skills and the continuing development of these skills in their workplaces. It demonstrates that some employers accept that it is both necessary and the employer's responsibility to provide learning and development opportunities for these skills. However, employers are looking for support in Show less

Australia needs highly skilled workers to sustain a healthy economy. Current employment-based… Show more

Australia needs highly skilled workers to sustain a healthy economy. Current employment-based training models have limitations in meeting the demands for highly skilled labour supply. The research explored current and emerging models of employment-based training to propose more effective models at higher VET qualifications that can maintain a balance between institution and work-based learning. Show less

Students reporting a mental illness do poorly in vocational education and training (VET) compared… Show more

Students reporting a mental illness do poorly in vocational education and training (VET) compared with other disability groups. This is a challenge for the VET sector. Teachers and support staff are at the frontline in responding to the needs of these students and this research explored staff perspectives on how TAFE institutes in Australia are supporting students with mental illnesses. Show less

Around a quarter of all Australian wage and salary earners are casual workers. Casual workers, in… Show more

Around a quarter of all Australian wage and salary earners are casual workers. Casual workers, in general, receive less training than those in ongoing employment. This paper considers whether the prevalence of casual employment is sustainable. It looks at the home and community care sector in which vocational education and training has a prominent role in developing the skills of workers, and in Show less

This study evaluates a selection of career development services available for young people. It… Show more

This study evaluates a selection of career development services available for young people. It examines the characteristics of the services provided, with a focus on career decision-making and the provision of information about vocational education and training (VET) options. The education providers and young people surveyed were generally satisfied with the services provided. However, it was Show less