This report examines training practices that demonstrated positive benefits over a period of time in large Australian firms. It primarily focusses on the integration of teaching and learning within the firm, factors which influence firms to train workers, the use of accredited training and training packages, the development of career structures within firms, the impact of globalisation on training and learning practices, and how the success of training is measured. Conclusions are derived from over 50 case studies about the major elements which contribute to successful enterprise training and learning practices.
This study based on analysis of Census data in 1986 and 2000, looks at how the occupational structure of the Australian labour market has evolved over recent years. The study includes a detailed look at occupational change and identifies the fastest growing occupations as well as jobs on the rise and jobs on the decline. The central question the study investigates relates to knowledge of work - whether jobs now demand more knowledge of workers and what this means for vocational education and training.
Graded assessment in Australian vocational education and training has developed a range of practices.This study examines the current practice for graded assessment and identifies policy issues that need to be addressed. Areas studied include validity, reliability and consistency, associated costs, and cross-sectoral concerns.
This report is based on a survey of vocational education and training students who were studying online, as well as discussions with teachers. It describes what makes for a quality online learning experience and provides suggestions for organisations delivering training online.
This study of training and learning services for small business gives an impressionistic snapshot of the current system, its products and strategies, also the results of recent initiatives and the promotion of training and learning for small business in Australia.
This paper was presented to the KRIVET International conference on VET, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, during October 2002.
During the past decade both Australia and China have implemented reforms to their educational systems to develop labour force skills for the new globalised markets. This report describes the major features of the vocational education and training sectors in China and Australia, and their strategies and reforms, with emphasis on links between secondary and post-secondary vocational education and training.
This 'At a glance' consolidates a range of research into online learning and delivery undertaken within the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the National Vocational Education and Training System 2000-2004. This publication focusses on the extent, scope, quality features, student support needs and cost-effectiveness of online learning and delivery.
This report focuses on frontline management and evaluates the development of the Frontline Management Initiative (FMI) which was the first national initiative in Australia designed to support workplace and organisational learning. The considerable evidence of the study shows that the FMI has the capability to extend managerial identity, develop organisational learning and contribute to business growth. The report details the components of the FMI developmental model generated by the more strategic practitioners and making the greatest business impact. The report has been organised into two volumes. The second volume, which comprises the detailed case studies, can be found on the NCVER website.
This report is a companion document to Paradise nearly gained: Volume 1 and provides case studies of companies who used the Frontline Management Initiative (FMI). It provides a rich picture of the FMI diversity and developmental activity in a wide range of organisations. It enables practitioners to scan the variety of options and issues involved, and to customise the FMI to their unique organisational situation.
A comparison of nine vocational education and training (VET) systems from countries across Europe, East Asia, and North and South America. This study examines the variables that best define and influence the character, behaviour and apparent success of VET systems and the impact of change on these variables.
This report investigates the ways that the various education sectors in Australia (schools, vocational education and training, adult and community education, and higher education) are funded. The paper acknowledges it is difficult to get comparable data for all sectors and discusses the implications of changing some aspects of funding arrangements so that a cross-sectoral funding model could be developed.
This study undertook a comprehensive examination of a sample of auspiced (or partnership) assessment arrangements. It also included a review of national and international literature on partnerships and six case study sites selected for indepth examination, giving a wide variety of models of partnership arrangements. The research found that there are common factors critical to the development and continuation of effective collaborative alliances such as auspiced arrangements. The report also provides guidelines for partnerships in assessment, based on information gathered through the case studies and the literature review.
This report examines the prospects of adults over 25 in the traditional trades. Aided by companies around Australia, researchers have studied adult opportunities to qualify and work in these trades. A companion volume, 'Getting adults into the trades: Case studies', is available on NCVER's website.
This is a companion volume to the report 'Getting adults into the trades'.
This study of school students in workplaces looks at their perceptions of what they learned, why and how. It also examines the application of learning from school in the workplace and vice versa. An extension of the report by Smith and Green, "School students' learning from their paid and unpaid work".
This report builds on and extends earlier work examining the key drivers that affect the quantity and nature of training undertaken by Australian enterprises. It focuses on enterprises in the entertainment related and process manufacturing industries and explores how they view training and its importance within their overall operating structure.
This publication provides a synopsis of the issues surrounding attrition in apprenticeships and traineeships, as identified in recent research reports. An analysis of recent NCVER data relating to completion levels has also been incorporated.
Effective communication of information is critical to the uptake of statistical analysis and research. This At a glance publication looks at how NCVER is communicating information to the vocational education and training sector.
An exploration of possible reasons why some students who enrol in VET do not complete their courses. Using interviews with past students and statistical evidence of course enrolments, author Peter Grant provokes an in-depth discussion of the factors that complicate any analysis of course completion. His report makes a valuable contribution to our understanding of the issue of course completion in the VET sector as well as the methodological issues that need to be considered in any such study. The pattern that emerges shows a complex interaction of personal and practical factors why students leave vocational courses before they have completed their qualification.