Work-based learning and models for technical training in new economy

This paper reflects the growing awareness at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) of the need for work based learning to extend beyond the traditional apprenticeship model. The proposal is informed by the needs of high performing enterprises within the current economic climate. It looks at the current practice of apprenticeships and traineeships and then gives a case study of practice which goes beyond this to meet existing needs. This paper starts with a discussion of traineeships and apprenticeships. This refers to the role of employment collectives in fostering this approach to work based training and some research findings, which reflect on the effectiveness of apprenticeships and traineeships. Having thus described the context in which this form of training occurs, a case study is presented which outlines an alternative approach. This approach combines the best of apprenticeship training with strategies to meet existing and predicted knowledge demands for the new economy. The paper ends with a conclusion, which looks at the partnership and quality embedded within the case study.

Excerpts from printed abstract used with the permission of the copyright holder.

Volume one of these proceedings is indexed at TD/TNC 68.31, volume two is indexed at TD/TNC 68.32 and individual papers may be found from TD/TNC 68.17 to TD/TNC 68.29 and TD/TNC 68.33 to TD/TNC 68.100.

This paper reflects the growing awareness at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) of the need for work based learning to extend beyond the traditional apprenticeship model. The proposal is informed by the needs of high performing enterprises within the current economic climate. It looks at the current practice of apprenticeships and traineeships and then gives a case study of practice which goes beyond this to meet existing needs. This paper starts with a discussion of traineeships and apprenticeships. This refers to the role of employment collectives in fostering this ...  [+] Show more