All publications

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

Vocational education and training (VET) policy is increasingly focused on the importance of quality … Show more

Vocational education and training (VET) policy is increasingly focused on the importance of quality in each VET institution's capacity to deliver effective programs. This report addresses institutional-level monitoring and evaluation of performance and provides a comprehensive model which institutes can use for this purpose. The model draws on background theory and practice and identifies a range Show less

Limited research has been undertaken to identify and examine systemic issues associated with the… Show more

Limited research has been undertaken to identify and examine systemic issues associated with the provision of vocational education and training (VET) to equity groups. This report focuses on the institutional relationships and policies that determine equity provision, and proposes three principles for framing equity practices. The principles are: local policies and strategies must reflect the Show less

Highly innovative organisations demonstrate six key characteristics. They create learning cultures… Show more

Highly innovative organisations demonstrate six key characteristics. They create learning cultures which promote innovation as a core organisational capability; employ leaders who are 'failure-tolerant'; identify innovators; reward people who propose innovative ideas; use partnerships; and, promote innovation through teams. This report analyses how well vocational education and training (VET) Show less

Indigenous engagement with vocational education and training (VET) has improved significantly, but… Show more

Indigenous engagement with vocational education and training (VET) has improved significantly, but successful Indigenous completion rates are lower nationally when compared to the overall population. This report, based on an action research project, examines intra-institutional factors at four Queensland TAFE institutes to better understand and take action on issues affecting Indigenous Show less

Australia's competitive success with innovation-based products and services is an influential… Show more

Australia's competitive success with innovation-based products and services is an influential factor to its long-term prosperity. This study examines the role of vocational education and training (VET) and occupations in innovative industries and firms. The authors find VET is vital to developing knowledge and practical skills across a broad range of occupations, and people in vocational Show less

This report provides insights into the school-to-work transition of 72 young people from a… Show more

This report provides insights into the school-to-work transition of 72 young people from a low-income region, who undertook an industry-specific school vocational education and training (VET) program. The training program was a one-year building and construction industry initiative, which involved schools, industry and TAFE. The majority of students reported confidence, enthusiasm, and 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

This report investigates students' learning experience at a TAFE institute and determines the… Show more

This report investigates students' learning experience at a TAFE institute and determines the factors that influence students to continue or discontinue their studies. Students who reported satisfaction with their learning experience highlighted relationships with teaching staff and respect for their expertise and organisation as significant factors in their experience. While students who were Show less

Group training organisations act as intermediaries between enterprises and apprentices and trainees … Show more

Group training organisations act as intermediaries between enterprises and apprentices and trainees to facilitate on- and off-the-job training. This report examines the role of the group training organisations (GTOs) in Australia's labour market. The authors find that GTOs, at their best, help promote sustainable work-based learning solutions by sharing the risks associated with employment and Show less

The adult and community (ACE) sector and technical and further education (TAFE) institutes provide… Show more

The adult and community (ACE) sector and technical and further education (TAFE) institutes provide programs for young people which re-connect them to education. This report suggests these programs and settings are considered effective pathways for some young people who have left school early. The researchers found students are attracted to the programs by key features, including the quality of Show less

This report uses four case studies to examine how human resource practices of TAFE institutes have… Show more

This report uses four case studies to examine how human resource practices of TAFE institutes have changed to accommodate flexible delivery and the changing roles of staff. It reveals that a whole of organisation customer-service philosophy is a useful basis for flexible delivery and the trend is towards team-based approaches. The detailed findings in this report mirror those in the report 'The Show less

Queensland is leading Australia in offering vocational education and training (VET) options to… Show more

Queensland is leading Australia in offering vocational education and training (VET) options to students through the VET in Schools program, and has the highest rate of school students enrolled in technical and further education (TAFE) institutes. However, the success of such initiatives is dependent on the ability to transfer qualifications gained (part or full) across educational sectors. The Show less

This volume is a companion to Getting connected: Professional development of contract and casual… Show more

This volume is a companion to Getting connected: Professional development of contract and casual staff providing flexible delivery - Volume 1. The detailed report of the project is contained in volume 1 while volume 2 contains the appendices. Show less

The experiences of contract and casual staff 'getting connected' with flexible delivery and online… Show more

The experiences of contract and casual staff 'getting connected' with flexible delivery and online learning technologies and engaging in professional development is the focus of this report. The study finds a significant proportion of professional development relies heavily on learning by doing, informal learning, and networking with colleagues. Show less

The current, various policies for fees and charges in the public vocational education and training… Show more

The current, various policies for fees and charges in the public vocational education and training (VET) system in each state and territory are the focus of this report. It finds that due to a host of reasons there is little to no consistency to fees and charges across Australia, and many variations between public VET providers within the same state and territory. Implications arising from this Show less

A descriptive analysis of recent pathways to apprenticeships is presented in this report. It finds… Show more

A descriptive analysis of recent pathways to apprenticeships is presented in this report. It finds pre-apprenticeship programs can play an effective role providing short-term vocational training to young people as a means of improving their chances to gaining an apprenticeship. The report is based on analysis of NCVER data and interviews with students, trainers, training experts, and Show less

Exploring the roles, functions and expertise required of senior and frontline managers in training… Show more

Exploring the roles, functions and expertise required of senior and frontline managers in training organisations, this report examines approaches to developing management and leadership expertise. The report analyses the influences on management leadership skills from three perspectives - the individual, organisation, and system wide context. The report is published in two volumes. Volume 1 is Show less

This study examines the impact of implementing a quality system in Australia's vocational education … Show more

This study examines the impact of implementing a quality system in Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector. Specifically, the report investigates a quality system and how it is put into practice in TAFE institutes, and the impact of implementing such a system on the learning environment. This study is aimed at practitioners and other stakeholders interested in the Show less

A companion document to Learning online: Benefits and barriers in regional Australia - Volume 1.… Show more

A companion document to Learning online: Benefits and barriers in regional Australia - Volume 1. Volume 1 contains the main report while this volume contains the case studies. Show less