Search Results

This paper examines the influence of neoliberal economics on vocational education and training (VET) policy in Australia by analysing government financing and regulation of apprenticeship training. After outlining the policy context, particularly the creation of a training market, the paper focuses on the recent abuse by a private registered training organisation (RTO) of funding guidelines for information technology training under the federal Government's New Apprenticeships Incentive Programme. The circumstances surrounding this incident and its aftermath are described, and the immediate repercussions are examined. The relationship and tensions between training quality and business imperatives are discussed, and it is suggested that the conditions have been created for a potential decline in trainer and workforce skills. In light of this discussion and evidence of endemic quality and probity problems, the links between neoliberalism and current VET policies are analysed in order to identify the deeper causes and consequences of market failure.

Published abstract.

Available papers from the 8th Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association (AVETRA) Conference, 'Emerging futures: recent, responsive and relevant research', are indexed from TD/TNC 81.564 to TD/TNC 81.610. Show less

Australian vocational education and training (VET) policy makers have persistently proposed more user choice when reforming the national training system. Increasing alternatives by encouraging multiple providers to trade in regulated contestable markets remains the cornerstone of governments' policies. However, despite policy intentions, students' options are declining. Longitudinal quantitative jurisdiction-level statistics identify well-established trends of a reduced variety of providers, a smaller range of qualifications on offer and decreased public funding. These outcomes are occurring notwithstanding the continuous supportive policy environment for intensified competition and amplified choice.

Rather than portray reduced choice as policy failure, this research makes novel use of large nationally consistent regulatory and enrolment data sets to provide evidence of successful public policy implementation that is approaching the end of the market life cycle. The results invite an exploration of issues that arise when VET markets are considered to be mature rather than unrealised aspirations. Choices provided in these fully-fledged markets that balance public and private provision are still necessary, but no longer sufficient, to meet national skills needs. It is argued that policy success is not permanent and should be revisited in light of contemporary economic alternatives to guide future VET policy making.

Published abstract. Show less

This project endeavours to compare and contrast a selection of paired public and private training providers against the background of the emerging training market in Australia. The central purpose of the study was to develop a clearer picture of the nature, role and significance of private training providers in the national VET system vis-a-vis public training providers, and, on this basis, to examine the key issues and implications of current policy directions relating to the development of an open training market.

The context within which both private and public training providers operate is investigated and analysed, including a survey of State and Territory training bodies. Six case studies were undertaken, consisting of three pairs of public and private vocational colleges. The case studies were compiled on the basis of interviews with senior managers and students.

The report is in eight sections: (1) outline of the background, aims, definitions, focus and scope; (2) approach and methodology; (3) literature review; (4) analysis of national policy context; (5) statistics and published information from State and Territory authorities regarding private training provision; (6) the case studies (three commercial colleges and three TAFE colleges); (7) analytical overview drawn from the case studies; (8) conclusion - key findings and implications. Show less

Purpose - The UK Government policy for the training and development of its workforce reflects a desire to move towards a more flexible, 'demand-led' system. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the outcomes and impact of two, publicly funded initiatives, designed to stimulate and enhance 'demand-led' training within the UK's small business sector. Design/methodology/approach - The research in this paper is underpinned by an evaluation methodology. However, in respect of each initiative different approaches and methods of data collection were undertaken to reflect the design characteristics of the two initiatives. Qualitative case study analysis is common to both whilst the evaluation of initiative 2 also draws on the particular survey tool selected to help drive this intervention. Findings - The paper finds that initiative 1 led to a limited degree of enhanced training effort. Initiative 2 demonstrated the value of a deep and trusted relationship between trainer and SME owner-manager. Both, however, highlight tensions within the small business training market place. Both expose fundamental 'systemic' weaknesses, which despite the policy rhetoric appear to remain stubbornly in place, undermining this entirely laudable aspect of public policy. Research limitations/implications - The research in the paper was undertaken in one sub-region of England. Although the Westminster Government has set the broad trajectory of 'demand-led' training policy its practice is determined through a now largely devolved system. Research is needed which compares the findings from this study with practice in other parts of the UK. Originality/value - The paper provides evidence-based insight for both practitioners and policy makers. Indicates the sorts of practice, which, in a context of continuing difficulties and constraints, can help trainers and training intermediaries appropriately enter the world of the small business.

Published abstract reprinted by permission of the copyright owner. Show less

In this presentation, the author talks about his new research, 'Mature Australian VET markets: a data-driven case study of public policy implementation' [available in VOCEDplus at TD/TNC 148.605]. This research makes novel use of large nationally consistent regulatory and enrolment data sets to provide evidence of successful public policy implementation that is approaching the end of the market life cycle. Show less

Australia is a high carbon emissions country on a per capita basis, with an imposing challenge of transitioning to a low carbon economy. But the move towards a 'green' economy and a 'green' workforce with decent work has become more contested since the last ILO country report in 2009. The purpose of this report is to outline the major changes in climate and skills policy, as well as in the economy and employment, following the 2009 review of climate policy and skills developments. This report advances two specific arguments. First, Australia is still finding its way toward a coherent and integrated low-carbon policy that can inform corporate policy and promote green skills development. However, even in the absence of such a policy framework we do find several interesting initiatives at different levels and in different sectors. Giving greater recognition of these local, regional and sectoral initiatives is probably just as important as seeking greater national leadership on the issues. In an increasingly divided national political scene, these 'transformations from below' are indeed part of Australia's longer-term democratic history. Second, the key social partners that in the past were understood to be crucial to skills development and labour markets (employers and trade unions) have not been strong or sustained advocates of action on climate change and the skills implications of such a transition. In part this is because of contending interests within these groups, and in part because of the limited available resources for tackling a growing range of contemporary social and environmental issues facing these social partners. In the absence of these traditional social partners, other social actors have begun to experiment and innovate around climate change abatement and green skills. Understanding the trajectory toward, and possibilities for, inclusive and sustainable growth in Australia might therefore require expansion of the concept of social partners. The report recommends that, at least in the case of Australia, the range of social partners needs to be understood in a broader context than merely governments, employers and unions.

Excerpts from publication. Show less

This report gives an overview of findings from the case studies undertaken and from the national training survey conducted. It then describes a general model of enterprise training derived from these findings. Finally, it presents some implications for the theory, policy, and practice of training. Show less

In this paper the author contends that much of the research into vocational education and training (VET) has focused on the supply side of the training market driven by a perceived need to reform the public provision of training. In an attempt to illuminate the operation of training within enterprises the Office of Training and Further Education (OTFE) in Victoria, and the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) commissioned the Industry Training Studies project, which was undertaken by researchers from the Group for Research in Employment and Training (GREAT) at Charles Sturt University and the Research Centre in Vocational Education and Training (RCVET) at the University of Technology, Sydney. The project involved both quantitative and qualitative approaches, and included forty-two case studies of private sector enterprises from five industry sectors as well as a national survey of 1760 enterprises. This paper focuses on the results of the case study component to examine a number of assumptions that are often made about enterprise training and which have had a significant influence on the policy and literature in this area. The author has also published a paper addressing these issues in ‘Australian vocational education review’ 4(2), October 1997, p. 42-50. Show less

This report, commissioned and edited by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) and CHOICE, assesses two areas of human service in Australia where various combinations of choice, contestability and competition have been significant: vocational education and training (VET) and employment services. The research found that the competitive models introduced into these two sectors have largely failed to deliver better outcomes for consumers, and have caused major barriers to improving collaboration. The report begins by establishing a framework for analysis, then applies that framework to specified case studies. In order to marry theory to practice, the Australian experience is examined as it relates to the two sectors in which various combinations of choice, contestability and competition have been significant in recent years. Each sector is considered in detail in a stand-alone appendix which sets out the evidence upon which the key findings are based. The report then seeks to link the detailed case studies back to the framework, before bringing the case studies together by synthesising the lessons to be drawn from each in order to determine whether a 'bigger picture' can be drawn.

Edited excerpts from publication and publisher's website. Show less

This paper has been prepared by the Vice-Chancellors of Australia's six dual-sector universities, in response to the Productivity Commission's recent Interim Report of the National Agreement for Skills and Workforce Development, and the JobTrainer announcements from the Federal Government in mid-July, which will surely inform the Commission's considerations. In this paper, the dual-sector universities provide both best practice examples of a collaborative and complementary post-secondary education system, while simultaneously highlighting the barriers which can prevent the seamless integration of programs and effective pathways. The paper offers suggestions for a more coherent tertiary education system and suggests policy settings which would enable dual-sector universities to deliver on their full potential.

Excerpts from publication. Show less