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This presentation will describe the results of a study to investigate the learner experience and outcomes for students transitioning from TAFE to university. The study is designed to elicit information from learners to improve support strategies for those choosing this pathway thus promoting successful outcomes. Griffin (2014) states: 'Largely missing from the literature is the student voice'. One of the main aims of this paper was to investigate transitions from the students' perspectives, but the evidence around this was scarce. The National [vocational education and training] VET Equity Advisory Council (NVEAC) emphasises the importance of listening to the voice of the learner in further designing the VET system, designating it as a reform area in their equity blueprint for 2011-16 (NVEAC 2011).

There are two key phases, phase one conducted before learners go to university and phase two after they have been there three months. Phase one: TAFE pre university: decision making; pre-conceptions; support from TAFE; and contact from university. Phase two: Post TAFE semester one university: reasons for not proceeding; pre-conceptions versus reality; and support from university. The focus is on the student voice. Phase one will gather information from Sydney TAFE students before they go to university and Phase two will gather information from the students during their first semester at university. This will include students who applied for but did not go to university. The information gathered will be used to improve strategies to support transitioning students.

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