All publications

Patterns of pathways between and within vocational education and training (VET) and higher… Show more

Patterns of pathways between and within vocational education and training (VET) and higher education are examined in this study. It compares the notion of straightforward pathways with what is actually happening. The researchers interviewed 49 students in South Australia who had participated in VET and/or higher education and who had been through more than one transition between VET and higher Show less

Where do higher-level VET qualifications lead? This study investigates whether they lead to… Show more

Where do higher-level VET qualifications lead? This study investigates whether they lead to employment at associate professional or higher occupations, or whether they are a pathway to university studies. Findings indicate that there are good employment outcomes for some graduates, although often at below associate professional level. The study also found that these qualifications are a Show less

This report documents the evolution and development of four learning communities in Victoria, which … Show more

This report documents the evolution and development of four learning communities in Victoria, which are involved in local government. It investigates the challenges and complexities involved in getting these communities off the ground and what roles, if any, vocational education and training (VET) institutions have played. Key principles emerging from the study include the importance of Show less

This study investigates where certificate I and II qualifications lead people aged 25 and over. The … Show more

This study investigates where certificate I and II qualifications lead people aged 25 and over. The main aims of these qualifications are to provide vocational outcomes, generally at lower skill levels, as pathways to further study and/or jobs requiring supervision. Findings indicate that, while the qualifications were not particularly useful in terms of gaining employment, there were some modest Show less

Vocational education and training (VET) programs for young people in schools have significantly… Show more

Vocational education and training (VET) programs for young people in schools have significantly expanded over the past decade. This report investigates stakeholders' views on school-based vocational programs in New South Wales and Queensland schools from 2000 to 2002. It examines the objectives and expected outcomes for students, school VET coordinators, trainers and employers. The research finds Show less

The use and value of qualifications has gained a significant amount of policy attention in recent… Show more

The use and value of qualifications has gained a significant amount of policy attention in recent years. This study examines the use of qualifications within the recruitment searching and decision-making processes undertaken by employers in the labour market. It uses data gained from a survey of 359 employers from across Australia. The results verify that employers place higher value on personal Show less

The idea that individuals,enterprises and economies gain financially from increased participation… Show more

The idea that individuals,enterprises and economies gain financially from increased participation in education or training is often assumed, but is not always easy to demonstrate or quantify. This report explores the benefits of further training for people with low levels of numeracy by analysing Australian and United States longitudinal data which allow links to be made between numeracy level, Show less

A stocktake of issues and activities in vocational education and training in schools through the… Show more

A stocktake of issues and activities in vocational education and training in schools through the perspectives of the published literature and policy documentation between 1997 and 2003 is the subject of this report. It identifies progress made and concludes that vocational programs in schools are meeting expectations and have achieved a legitimate place in the school curriculum, but that several Show less

This study investigates where certificate I and II qualifications lead young people aged 15-24… Show more

This study investigates where certificate I and II qualifications lead young people aged 15-24 years in terms of employment and further study. A prime motivation for young people undertaking these qualifications is to facilitate transition into the labour market. These qualifications are aimed at developing basic vocational skills or preparatory access skills. The findings indicate that Show less

It is well documented that individuals with poor verbal, reading and writing skills face… Show more

It is well documented that individuals with poor verbal, reading and writing skills face disadvantages. However, many individuals with such difficulties lead successful lives. This project investigated the ways in which ten individuals have achieved success despite difficulties with literacy and learning. Show less

How employers perceive, use and value vocational education and training qualifications is an… Show more

How employers perceive, use and value vocational education and training qualifications is an important, but also complex, issue. This report captures the views of a small number of employers within 14 different companies, over eight industries. The broad conclusion is that employers place high value on learning and capability and competence, irrespective of whether this leads to, or is reflected Show less

A systematic review of research is a decision-making tool for policy and practice. It is a piece of … Show more

A systematic review of research is a decision-making tool for policy and practice. It is a piece of research in its own right, using explicit and rigorous methods that follow a standard set of stages: to identify; critically appraise; and synthesise relevant research (both published and unpublished) to answer a specific question. This report documents the establishment of NCVER's own eight-step Show less

This report investigates the characteristics and motivations of students who do not complete the… Show more

This report investigates the characteristics and motivations of students who do not complete the training course they enrol in. It finds that non-completion is associated with poor educational background and unemployment and also finds that the numbers of students who leave vocational education and training without any achievements are over estimated, and improvements to data systems are needed. Show less

This report is about employers and how they value and use qualifications in their business… Show more

This report is about employers and how they value and use qualifications in their business decisions. The research indicates clear differences in the value placed on and use made of qualifications by employers for different groups of workers and occupations. Qualifications are considered more important for higher-level occupations and employers use them predominantly to recruit new employees and Show less

Seasonal work is crucial for the many rural regions reliant on seasonal industries such as… Show more

Seasonal work is crucial for the many rural regions reliant on seasonal industries such as agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism. This report examines the diverse nature of the seasonal workforce in two locations and the approaches used in their training. The report finds that the seasonal workforce is diverse and has varied training needs. Like others marginally attached to the workforce Show less

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector have had a significant impact … Show more

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector have had a significant impact on practitioners' work in public and private providers. This study analyses practitioners' perceptions of, and reactions to, the changes. The scope of these changes has been substantial and has required shifts to practitioners' habits, norms, skills and knowledge. While the greatest changes have Show less

Financing vocational education and training, as part of Australia's commitment to lifelong… Show more

Financing vocational education and training, as part of Australia's commitment to lifelong learning, will become a greater challenge as increased spending on other public services, such as health and welfare caused by an ageing population, constrains government education expenditure. This report examines a range of mechanisms to encourage individual contributions to and participation in Show less

Discussion about Australia's ageing population has focused on the importance of increasing labour… Show more

Discussion about Australia's ageing population has focused on the importance of increasing labour force participation rates of older people. This paper examines the influence of education and training on the participation of older people in the labour market, and the pay-off of undertaking education and training as an older-person compared to earlier in life. On the whole, the results indicate Show less

Future workforce planning in private and public enterprise requires reliable information on which… Show more

Future workforce planning in private and public enterprise requires reliable information on which projections are made. Currently limited information exists about vocational education and training (VET) professionals. This report consolidates two national studies on the TAFE workforce, and on VET professionals in private and public registered training organisations. The findings have important Show less

The focus of the Western Australia correction system on more rehabilitation and the provision of… Show more

The focus of the Western Australia correction system on more rehabilitation and the provision of skills is designed to assist offenders gain self-sufficiency. This report examines the study and work experiences of state prisoners before and during their incarceration and their expectations of post-release outcomes. It finds that differences in work and study patterns result from choices made by Show less