Latest research
Engaging employers with 'on-the-job' training
There is an increasing emphasis on integrating the world of work into education and training. Whilst there is a strong rationale for work-based and work-integrated learning, it is both financially and time intensive for the training provider and employer. Our latest research summary, Work-based learning and work-integrated learning: fostering engagement with employers investigates the keys to successful employer engagement which include:
- ongoing communication
- flexibility with approaches
- committed and skilled teachers who support students
- involvement of intermediary organisations to organise and facilitate activities
- the commitment of business and education leaders.
How do apprenticeships in Australia and Germany compare?
A new study by Harald Pfeifer, Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in Germany, compares how organisations in both countries deal with apprenticeships. It finds German businesses foster an investment model which emphasises the benefits of employing apprentices after training, while in Australia some firms adopt more of a production model that sees apprentices as a substitute for ‘regular’ workers. In contrast, trade firms in Australia appear to be more investment-oriented and are more inclined to continue training, or employ an apprentice after training, even with the withdrawal of incentives.
An international perspective on VET
Did you know that NCVER also works closely with our overseas counterparts to get an international perspective on VET?
Measuring ROI in VET
How could information on return on investment (ROI) benefit the TVET system of your country? This was just one of the questions discussed during the UNESCO-UNEVOC virtual conference moderated by NCVER’s Phil Loveder and John Stanwick in May. The conference brought together 230 participants from 63 countries to inform a collaborative research project and provide an opportunity for the community to share their ideas and expertise. They found:
- Information on ROI can play an important role in convincing stakeholders to invest in VET, particularly when there is competing demands for limited funds.
- Often there is a lack of relevant data to measure ROI. Data on both inputs and outputs/outcomes is needed.
For more information including the full conference report Measuring the Return on investment in TVET.
Upcoming webinars
Get ready for AVETMISS Release 8.0
Wednesday 21 September, 11:00am - 12:00pm ACST
NCVER invites RTOs to learn more about the forthcoming VET Provider Collection AVETMIS Standard, Release 8.0. This webinar will provide an overview of the changes, including changes to file structures and fields, and will also cover the steps you need to undertake to be ready to collect and produce data in Release 8.0 format from 1 January 2018.
For more resources on the changes, visit AVETMISS 8.0 for VET Providers: what’s changing from release 7.0.
How can private RTOs support young learners who have left school early?
Thursday 29 September, 1:30pm - 2:30pm ACST
Join us to hear about the role of private RTOs in delivering training to young people who have left school early including:
- the barriers to participation
- teaching practices
- the types of initiatives needed to support learners
- the capability of private RTOs in providing the support.
This webinar will appeal to RTOs who provide education and training to these young learners and who want to understand how to better support them. It will also appeal to people who have an interest in learning more about young disadvantaged learner groups.
Women in STEM
The acronym STEM is used to refer to the collective fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM skills and qualifications are increasingly seen as vital to the ongoing growth, productivity and efficiency of economies around the world and a crucial component of innovation, adaptability and preparation for industries of the future. Yet, women are underrepresented in STEM-related education and training and occupations. Our VOCEDplus database contains a range of recent research on women in STEM and the Pod Network has a podlet on STEM skills.
Recent research includes:
- Gender disparities in academic performance and motivation in STEM subjects in Japan
- National education systems and gender gaps in STEM occupational expectations
- Why is the pipeline leaking?: experiences of young women in STEM vocational education and training and their adjustment strategies
- Women in STEM in Australia: what is the current state of play, what are the key issues and why does it matter?
Some forthcoming events:
- The Women in STEM Leadership Summit 2016, Sydney 22-25 August 2016
- CEDA’s Women and Leader series: The Importance of STEM, Adelaide 29 August 2016
- Women in STEM: Transforming the working landscape for professional women, Melbourne 20-21 September 2016
A chance to have your input into VET data policy
Public submissions are now open to inform a review of the data policy that underpins Australia’s vocational education and training (VET) system.
The review is an important opportunity to improve the transparency and efficiency of VET. Stakeholders who use VET data, or are involved in its collection or reporting, may be interested in contributing to the review.
An issues paper summarising potential areas of interest around each term of reference is available to assist stakeholders with their submissions. A short online survey is also available.
Information about the VET Data Policy Review, including the public consultations is available on the Department of Education and Training website.
The closing date for public consultations is 16 September 2016.