All publications

This report examines the current digital skills demand and supply situation in Australia via two… Show more

This report examines the current digital skills demand and supply situation in Australia via two sector case studies and a broader survey of HR, skills and training decision-makers across a wide array of industries. Show less

The 'No Frills' 2018 discussion paper explores the future skills we will need to both operate and… Show more

The 'No Frills' 2018 discussion paper explores the future skills we will need to both operate and succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. Show less

This analysis looks at the relationship between emerging technologies and required skills, and… Show more

This analysis looks at the relationship between emerging technologies and required skills, and offers key findings for the VET sector to consider in planning training packages for the future. Show less

Interviews with teachers, students and employers found that social media can help to improve… Show more

Interviews with teachers, students and employers found that social media can help to improve student engagement and lead to more course completions; however, there were some concerns around its use. Show less

Could we be the last generation of people to have traditional workplace arrangements, in permanent, … Show more

Could we be the last generation of people to have traditional workplace arrangements, in permanent, ongoing full-time roles with one employer at a time? This paper explores the drivers changing the world of work, the skills we’re predicted to need in the future and what this means for training. 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

This literature review focuses on the perspectives of adult language, literacy and numeracy,… Show more

This literature review focuses on the perspectives of adult language, literacy and numeracy, particularly the human capital and social practices perspectives, which at times do not sit comfortably in relation to each other. Show less

This literature review looks at the different contexts in which adult language, literacy and… Show more

This literature review looks at the different contexts in which adult language, literacy and numeracy are being delivered, who the learners are and the pedagogies in use, to elucidate what works best for whom and why. Show less

This literature review discusses methods for better engaging survey respondents, in particular the… Show more

This literature review discusses methods for better engaging survey respondents, in particular the gamification of web surveys as well as optimising surveys for multiple mobile devices. Show less

This research shows that older Australians use computers and the internet less than younger… Show more

This research shows that older Australians use computers and the internet less than younger Australians. Therefore, in the short term, information and services aimed at older Australians will need to be provided in additional ways. Show less

In this report the authors examine how skills development in domestic plumbing occupations has… Show more

In this report the authors examine how skills development in domestic plumbing occupations has responded to an increased emphasis on environmental sustainability and 'greening'. They find that rather than sustainability and greening requiring major changes in thinking, plumbing skills need to be responsive to changing technology and more generic skills such as dealing with customers are required. Show less

In this interview, Steve Davis talks with researcher Yvonne Hillier about her report, 'Innovation… Show more

In this interview, Steve Davis talks with researcher Yvonne Hillier about her report, 'Innovation in teaching and learning in vocational education and training: International perspectives'. This publication explores both the characteristics and examples of innovative teaching and learning practice internationally. It found that technologies can be used to support networks of practitioners and Show less

This publication explores both the characteristics and examples of innovative teaching and learning … Show more

This publication explores both the characteristics and examples of innovative teaching and learning practice internationally. It found that technologies can be used to support networks of practitioners and resource banks to foster better professional practice and help practitioners exchange ideas and resources. In addition, it is important for practitioners to be able to step back from their Show less

This overview of research into innovative teaching and learning practice internationally found that … Show more

This overview of research into innovative teaching and learning practice internationally found that technologies can be used to support networks of practitioners and resource banks to foster better professional practice and help practitioners exchange ideas and resources. In addition, it is important for practitioners to be able to step back from their 'daily grind' to think about what they can 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

There have been major advances in online learning in recent years. However, the use of some… Show more

There have been major advances in online learning in recent years. However, the use of some technologies - such as web conferencing - have not been fully explored in the vocational education and training (VET) sector. This paper reports on a trial of web conferencing that was conducted by the Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE. There was a high level of participation and interaction by both Show less

This report looks at whether pre-apprenticeships increase the potential supply of tradespeople,… Show more

This report looks at whether pre-apprenticeships increase the potential supply of tradespeople, with a special focus on electrotechnology, automotive and engineering students. It found that pre-apprenticeships have been used in Australia for many years and are widely regarded as a valuable strategy for increasing the supply and quality of potential apprentices. Pre-apprenticeships are favoured by Show less

Skill shortages in the Australian printing industry are examined in this report. The nature of… Show more

Skill shortages in the Australian printing industry are examined in this report. The nature of shortages is considered, as well as responses aimed at resolving shortages. First, at the industry level, strategic responses such as investment in technology and diversification are proposed. Responses at the workplace level focus on attracting employees and improving the capabilities of the existing Show less

This study, undertaken for the National Electrical and Communications Association, profiles the… Show more

This study, undertaken for the National Electrical and Communications Association, profiles the electrotechnology workforce and focuses especially on how the industry is adapting to the rapidly changing environment. Through analysis of data and interviews, the study found that the electrotechnology industry has adapted well to its customers' demands to integrate the electrical and communication Show less

New information and communication technologies are changing literacy practices at an unprecedented… Show more

New information and communication technologies are changing literacy practices at an unprecedented rate. As literacies are being transformed by technological change, electronic communication and the globalisation of knowledge, this poses new questions and challenges for literacy educators. Using a case study approach, this report examines the interaction between new and emerging digital Show less