All publications

This is the first of two reports which examine how the VET sector initially responded to COVID-19… Show more

This is the first of two reports which examine how the VET sector initially responded to COVID-19 through the increased use of online training delivery and begins to explore possible implications this might have on future training delivery modes. Show less

Validation of assessment tools, processes and outcomes is an important element of the quality of… Show more

Validation of assessment tools, processes and outcomes is an important element of the quality of assessment in vocational education and training (VET). This research explores how registered training organisations (RTOs) conduct independent validation of assessment (IVA) and what industry involvement they have in these processes. Show less

This report describes the current system for granting RPL in Australian VET, including the nature… Show more

This report describes the current system for granting RPL in Australian VET, including the nature and types of RPL being granted and what factors (if any) affect the likelihood of it being granted to a student. 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

The quality and rigour of assessments in VET have been key concerns for VET policy-makers, which… Show more

The quality and rigour of assessments in VET have been key concerns for VET policy-makers, which questions the credibility of VET qualifications. Show less

This report explores some of the key issues associated with the assessment in VET and reflects on… Show more

This report explores some of the key issues associated with the assessment in VET and reflects on some possible solutions. Show less

This report explores the two tools used for assessing literacy and numeracy proficiency, the Adult… Show more

This report explores the two tools used for assessing literacy and numeracy proficiency, the Adult Literacy and Life Skills (ALLS) survey and Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF), and finds that, while it is broadly possible to translate the five ACSF performance levels to the ALLS scales, there is not an exact match between the two, especially at the higher levels. Show less

The community services and health industries have experienced a period of growth in recent… Show more

The community services and health industries have experienced a period of growth in recent times. This report focuses on the sub-section, alcohol and other drugs, which has had difficulty recruiting staff. Show less

This paper explores a range of issues related to the development of the VET workforce. It examines… Show more

This paper explores a range of issues related to the development of the VET workforce. It examines key issues underpinning professional development structures and proposes a set of features integral to a comprehensive workforce development strategy. Show less

Student intentions and outcomes in regard to studying the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment … Show more

Student intentions and outcomes in regard to studying the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment at NSW community colleges is the subject of this paper. Gaining employment and acquiring presentation skills were the most common reasons given for undertaking the course, but for many students the course did not deliver this. Those students who accessed pre-course information and thus had more Show less

Rubrics are a tool that can be used to provide graded assessment for articulation from vocational… Show more

Rubrics are a tool that can be used to provide graded assessment for articulation from vocational education and training (VET) into higher education. By mentoring teachers to use rubrics and interviewing them to determine their experiences in using them, the author explored the potential of rubrics as an assessment tool. Overall, teachers found rubrics not only useful for grading assessments Show less

An analysis of student verbatim responses in the Student Outcome Survey provides suggestions for… Show more

An analysis of student verbatim responses in the Student Outcome Survey provides suggestions for how the vocational education and training (VET) system could be improved. Show less

This discussion paper arises from a research project investigating the extent to which… Show more

This discussion paper arises from a research project investigating the extent to which practitioners believe the Certificate IV Training and Assessment (TAA04) qualification provides an effective foundation for the delivery and assessment of training in the VET environment. This paper focuses on the history of the TAA04 and outlines some of the key issues relating to the quality of delivery. The Show less

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the quality and accessibility of underpinning… Show more

This paper aims to contribute to the discussion on the quality and accessibility of underpinning knowledge in competency-based training. It uses the Vocational Graduate Certificate and the Vocational Graduate Diploma in Education Design in a Queensland TAFE institute to examine how the 'traditional' knowledge and theory associated with higher-level qualifications can be accommodated within the Show less

The difficulties experienced by vocational education and training (VET) teachers in delivering the… Show more

The difficulties experienced by vocational education and training (VET) teachers in delivering the generic employability skills embedded in industry training packages are considered in this paper. Show less

Ways of assessing and acknowledging the range of outcomes in non-accredited community adult… Show more

Ways of assessing and acknowledging the range of outcomes in non-accredited community adult language, literacy and numeracy programs are explored in this study. The instruments it tested take account of the diversity of learner needs and motivations. The study highlights that these assessment methods can bring benefits both to the learner and the tutor, especially when they are completed jointly Show less

This report identifies what individual learners and industry clients want from vocational education … Show more

This report identifies what individual learners and industry clients want from vocational education and training (VET) and proposes how these needs can best be met. It also identifies a tension between compliance and creativity which needs to be addressed in quality frameworks at the system level. In addition, providers need to reshape their structures and modify their cultures so they are open Show less

The National Reporting System (NRS) was developed to report the outcomes of English language,… Show more

The National Reporting System (NRS) was developed to report the outcomes of English language, literacy and numeracy provision in Australia's vocational education and training and adult and community education sectors, and in labour market programs. Since its introduction, however, the NRS has been used as more than a reporting tool. It has also been used for setting standards and for curricular Show less

Communication and other literacy skills are vital to public safety organisations. This report… Show more

Communication and other literacy skills are vital to public safety organisations. This report investigates the impact literacy levels may have on the ability of volunteers to meet demands for more formal training and assessment. The role of these organisations to develop the skills of people in rural and remote communities is also considered. The research finds public safety organisations are Show less

This report adds to the work on recognition of prior learning (RPL), particularly as it focuses on… Show more

This report adds to the work on recognition of prior learning (RPL), particularly as it focuses on private registered training providers' RPL processes - how it is practised and the factors that facilitate or impede its implementation. It reports that advantages of RPL can be found in the information gained from students', trainers' and employers' processes of acquiring and assessing recognition. Show less