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In this article, the author begins with a look at the factors that have resulted in the formation of the 'skills gap' in Australia. The concept of 'skills gap' and the two major factors affecting it, the fertility rate and the training rate, are explored. The discussion then examines models of addressing skills shortages in Australia, and one model in particular being implemented by the Australian Technical College - North Brisbane, where the college, the supervising registered training organisation, and the employer are collaborating to deliver successful outcomes for both industry and the student-apprentices. The model involves a '2+2' approach where the student-apprentices undertake two years of study at the college, including substantial components of workplace learning whilst completing their Senior Certificate, providing opportunity for higher education pathways. The final two years of the apprenticeship are spent in the workplace with the employer on a full-time basis.

This article is part of a thematic edition of Vocal entitled 'What works for vocational education and training in schools in terms of developing connections, building capacity and enhancing collaboration'. Articles are indexed from TD/TNC 94.144 to TD/TNC 94.150 and from TD/TNC 94.264 to TD/TNC 95.276. Show less

This paper examines and analyses the attitudes of cadets, industry mentors and vocational educators to a recently implemented, high-level Cadetship scheme. Funded by the Queensland Department of Education, Training and the Arts, the cadetships were awarded to both experienced, existing workers in industry and recent science graduates to work in a variety of pharmaceutical and applied biotechnology workplaces. The cadets were simultaneously enrolled in a Vocational Graduate Certificate (VGC) in Applied Biotechnology, delivered in intensive mode, and supported by vocational reinforcement and mentorship supplied by industry. The initiative was developed in response to a call for high-level cadetships in the Queensland Skills Plan. It also emerged from the perceived greater spirit of co-operation between stakeholders generated by the skills formation strategy that was the Queensland Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Industry Forum (QPNIF). The Cadetship/VGC model was designed in response to requests from stakeholders for advanced training in instrumentation and regulatory compliance in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and applied biotechnology. Such a model was required to meet the gap between university training and a new graduate's preparedness to perform in the workplace. The paper assembles attitudes and appraisals of the effectiveness of the Cadetship/VGC model to date from a sampling of stakeholders.

Published abstract.

A list of the presentations from this conference may be found at TD/TNC 93.551; available papers are indexed from TD/TNC 93.552 to TD/TNC 93.571. Show less

Recent academic trends are requiring tourism educators to redefine their practice. Students are demanding vocational outcomes, and the market is demanding industry-ready graduates. This article reports on an innovative response to these new directions, outlining the conceptualization, objectives, delivery, outcomes, lessons learned, and future of a Tourism Regional Internship Project (TRIP). The initial pilot was a joint initiative of the University of Queensland School of Tourism (UQST) and the Roma-Miles Tourism Development Unit (RMTDU). The design and development of the project was built on existing theories that frame student internships, industry partnerships, and knowledge exchange, with the addition of new and creative industry collaboration and student to industry exchange. The five objectives of this Australian-based project were to foster partnerships, generate knowledge exchange, support workforce development, maximize marketing opportunities, and develop a research agenda. The success of the pilot has resulted in funding for a future wider project rollout. This article illustrates how other educationalists may use this innovative tourism regional internship model in their own areas as part of their response to the changing climate of tourism education.

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