What do we mean by 'industry' in vocational education and training? Research findings
Authors:
Erica Smith and Paschal Somers
Federation University
Theme:
Industry
Presentation:
This presentation discusses representations of ‘industry’ in vocational education and training (VET) systems and the consequences of these representations. While industry is often seen as the raison d’etre of VET systems, the conceptualisation of industry is a vexed one, as is the question of who speaks for, and acts for, ‘industry’? The presentation reports on one strand of a 2023-2024 project on industry engagement with VET, funded by the Australasian VET Research Association (AVETRA). Analysis of secondary data is used to examine the meaning of ‘industry’ in VET and industry’s participation in VET: a structured analysis of papers from major national and international journals and conferences over the past decade, key international comparative reports, and previously-collected qualitative data from VET teachers on their engagement with industry.
The presentation addresses the conference theme ‘VET partnerships powering a dynamic workforce’, using both Australian and international perspectives. The international insights not only provide us with numerous examples of engagement of the different layers of ‘industry’ with VET, they also provide a context for better understanding and critiquing structures in Australian VET. A more developed understanding of ‘industry’ by VET, and of VET by ‘industry’ can facilitate better engagement in partnerships at all levels (macro, meso and micro). This will help to evolve the VET system further to help workers and employers rapidly adapt to evolving changes in technology and processes, which are often not sector-specific, or have different applications in different sectors. A more nuanced understanding of ‘industry’ will also increase the life-chances of students as well as their workplace performance. The presentation will argue, moreover, that a better conceptualisation of ‘industry’ will help to raise the status of VET and therefore attract more learners; it will also increase the self-efficacy of VET teachers and encourage people to enter the occupation. The findings have practical applications for all players in the VET system, which are outlined in the presentation.