Paths to pathways: vocational education and training for educationally disadvantaged groups of young people

Youth with low levels of educational skill are finding it increasingly difficult to create pathway from school to vocational education and training (VET) or work. Since the closure of youth labour markets, there is a growing inability or reluctance for youth to access VET programs as they currently exist. This resource documents research into VET participation by youth for stakeholders so that access to, and provision of VET for youth, may be improved. Geelong was chosen as the research site, as it was identified as one area where the needs of disadvantaged youth were not being met. A participatory action for community development methodology was used for this project, to illuminate the perspectives of those at the centre of this issue. The research has two main stages: investigation of the broad question of how and why young people are disadvantaged, and trialing of an innovative program for a group of young people and investigation of their participation, completion and outcomes from their involvment in this program called the 'Job and Course Preparation Program'. (A document is published separately entitled: 'Paths to pathways: job and course preparation program curriculum framework' [indexed at TD/ANTA 82.156]). A number of barriers to VET provision were identified: low self esteem resulting from school 'failure'; narrow skills-based focus within VET provision; disengagement from social networks, and/or lack of networks; lack of funding for innovative prgrams which may provide initial pathways. Key conclusions were that: - the needs of young people (including personal issues) need to be addressed - the number of course youth may access is declining - personal life and work skill issues need to be embedded in courses - workplace culture is not easily repleicated in courses, hence the need for courses with work placement components - competency based training does not take into account the specific needs of students - a casualised workforce of teachers and trainers cannot access appropriate professional contexts and resources, and that this impacts on provision. Show less