Beyond 'tick women': gender equity issues and strategies in the national vocational education and training system

This paper reports on a project that investigated the inclusion of gender equity in the National Vocational Education and Training System's (NVETS's) policy and frameworks for implementation. The study takes into account policy documents and consultation between the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), state and territory training authorities, Industry Training Advisory Boards (ITABs) and various other NVETS stakeholders. Two selected industries are examined, the community services and health industries, and the clerical-administrative component of the finance, banking,...  [+] Show more

This paper reports on a project that investigated the inclusion of gender equity in the National Vocational Education and Training System's (NVETS's) policy and frameworks for implementation. The study takes into account policy documents and consultation between the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA), state and territory training authorities, Industry Training Advisory Boards (ITABs) and various other NVETS stakeholders. Two selected industries are examined, the community services and health industries, and the clerical-administrative component of the finance, banking, insurance and office-skills industries, to determine the effects of the frameworks and policies on training for women in the workforce. Quantitative and qualitative data collected indicate substantial gender inequity and highlight the need for effective implementation and realisation of gender equity policies. Instances of best practice with regard to gender equity are described, and the authors outline strategies for incorporating and implementing gender equity in the NVETS at national, state and industry levels. Chapters in this publication are: Introduction; Women in employment and training: a statistical overview; Literature review; Analysing policy designed to promote gender equity; From national policy to practice; Gender equity in state/territory systems; From rhetoric to 'reality testing'; Looking for best practice in relation to gender equity within NVETS or 'doing equity things'; Doing gender equity: conclusions and recommendations.