All publications

This research investigates the contribution that community education providers make to foundation… Show more

This research investigates the contribution that community education providers make to foundation skills training in regional Australia, the models of delivery that seemed to work best, and whether training helped build the social and human capital of the individual and broader community. Show less

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

As participation rates of young people in VET decline, opportunities exist to engage and retain… Show more

As participation rates of young people in VET decline, opportunities exist to engage and retain early school leavers in VET. Show less

The main socio-demographic characteristics associated with being persistently not employed, in… Show more

The main socio-demographic characteristics associated with being persistently not employed, in education or training (NEET) are early school leaving and having children. Show less

This report examines the responsiveness of ‘older’ workers — aged 25 to 54 years — to government… Show more

This report examines the responsiveness of ‘older’ workers — aged 25 to 54 years — to government subsidies for upskilling and explores how enrolment and course choice responses varies by age, gender and disadvantage. Show less

One size doesn’t fit all: completion and employment gaps exist between different groups of… Show more

One size doesn’t fit all: completion and employment gaps exist between different groups of disadvantaged learners and their non-disadvantaged peers, which requires a tailored approach for disadvantaged students. But closing the completion gap will not necessarily result in closing the employment gap.  Show less

An overview of young people using LSAY data and research is presented in this first edition of the… Show more

An overview of young people using LSAY data and research is presented in this first edition of the LSAY annual report. Show less

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

Educational aspirations have a large impact on educational outcomes.

Educational aspirations have a large impact on educational outcomes. 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 report looks at the pathways Indigenous students in the Northern Territory take between VET… Show more

This report looks at the pathways Indigenous students in the Northern Territory take between VET and higher education.  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

The focus of this paper is on the factors, other than access, that influence the decision for… Show more

The focus of this paper is on the factors, other than access, that influence the decision for Indigenous Australians to participate in education.  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

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

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

The traineeship model is currently targeted at a broader group of people compared with the original … Show more

The traineeship model is currently targeted at a broader group of people compared with the original target group of young unemployed persons as envisaged by the Kirby Enquiry. This report aims to assess the effectiveness of the model for young people, particularly young early school leavers. The findings suggest that traineeships are an important pathway for female early school leavers. However, Show less

Using data from the 2009 Australian Work and Life Index, this report examines how work-life… Show more

Using data from the 2009 Australian Work and Life Index, this report examines how work-life pressures influence the capacity and motivation of individuals, particularly low-paid workers, to engage in education and training. Show less