Equitable and inclusive VET: a discussion paper

This discussion paper was produced by the Monash University-ACER Centre for the Economics of Education and Training (CEET) in a project commissioned by the National VET Equity Advisory Council (NVEAC) in 2010. The paper aims to contribute to the development of a new equity blueprint for [vocational education and training] VET by examining some of the major issues that need to be addressed to achieve an equitable and inclusive VET system. It both looks to the past - to what has already been achieved and learned - and to the future - where further efforts are required. The paper comprises:...  [+] Show more

This discussion paper was produced by the Monash University-ACER Centre for the Economics of Education and Training (CEET) in a project commissioned by the National VET Equity Advisory Council (NVEAC) in 2010. The paper aims to contribute to the development of a new equity blueprint for [vocational education and training] VET by examining some of the major issues that need to be addressed to achieve an equitable and inclusive VET system. It both looks to the past - to what has already been achieved and learned - and to the future - where further efforts are required. The paper comprises: Section one - the broad context. This section considers some of the major elements in the broad context for VET: the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) reform agenda, the Australian government's productivity agenda and social inclusion agenda. Also briefly considered are the goal of lifelong learning and returns to investments in education and training. Section two - VET participation, outcomes and disadvantage: a closer look. This section provides and examines data on participation in VET, skill gaps and qualifications, workforce participation, and participation in VET by major equity groups. It also considers the evidence that some groups and individuals experience disadvantage in VET and the reasons efforts to address this disadvantage have not achieved greater success.

Section three - learning from the past. This section considers the considerable knowledge, experience and wisdom about VET equity challenges, issues and solutions that has been passed down to NVEAC from the bodies it replaces and from the states and territories. It highlights the recommendations in the equity blueprints, the final reports of the three VET equity taskforces and put forward in state and territory government policy documents on equity issues e.g. Victoria's 'A Fairer Victoria', ACT's 'Challenge 2014: a 10 year vision for disability in the ACT'. [It] includes points raised by the chairpersons of the equity taskforces in interviews conducted for this paper. [It] identifies some lessons for NVEAC to take forward.

Excerpts from published introduction reprinted by permission of the copyright owner.