Search Results

In this study, the author’s aim is to formulate some improvements in approaches to vocational education and training (VET) to help and encourage women’s business ownership. She outlines the problems and perceived problems in current survey methods and gives details of her approach. The research issues identified are: VET - the adequacy of the original training; life stage issues - from thinking about starting a business to actually starting it up; and, the specific training needs of business owners and how they can maintain and improve their skills. In analysing the results, the author groups the respondents according to the type of involvement in the their business and the type of industry. The different responses are examined together with the thorny issue of industry culture. She concludes that women do face a specific range of problems, particularly in some industries but, on the other hand, some women business owners bring strength and ideas to solve these problems.

The volume of collected proceedings is indexed at TD/TNC 57.76; individual papers are indexed from TD/TNC 57.77 to TD/TNC 57.122. Show less

This document reports the proceedings of the 7th Women's Forum the purpose of which was to identify issues and develop strategies to achieve growth in women's access and participation across under-represented areas engineering, science and technology in the light of current policy changes to vocational education and training (VET). Show less

This is the final report of a project funded by the Women's Research and Employment Initiatives Program (WREIP), Department of Employment, Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DEETYA) and conducted by the National Centre for Women at Swinburne Institute of Technology. The purpose of the project was to make recommendations based on the following brief: 'In view of current and past strategies not having achieved optimal results, what long term strategies should be attempted to achieve a greater participation of young women in apprenticeships and traineeships, especially in non-traditional and emerging fields'. Wide-ranging consultations, in-depth interviews and an extensive review of existing literature, policy reports and promotional materials are reported, and findings discussed. The research focused on four target industries: (1) building and construction; (2) electronics and electrical; (3) engineering; and (4) information technology. The findings and recommendations can be used more broadly to increase women's participation in New Apprenticeships. Volume one, 'Final report', provides: an overview of the methodology; an outline of the context informing new strategies to increase participation of women in non-traditional and emerging areas; an analysis of the gendered data on participation in apprenticeships and traineeships; a re-examination of the frameworks for thinking about women's participation in these areas; an analysis of three favoured strategies targeting young women (promotional materials; role modelling; access programs); an outline of how theories of masculinity and of gender and technology can effect thinking about barriers and strategies; a consideration of the workplace and study experiences of those undertaking New Apprenticeships in the four target industries; a discussion of three key strategic sites (training packages; New Apprenticeship Centres; VET programs in schools); and details of the challenges facing strategic development in this field, and recommendations for the development and funding of further initiatives in this area. Volume two, 'Appendices', contains: List of those consulted; Project brief; National Centre for Women; Project team; Interview questions and prompts; Discussion paper: 'A fresh look'; Feedback on discussion paper; 'Best practice' access programs. Show less

This paper reports on a study exploring the experience of students in a gender minority on programs in a mixed economy college. The authors identify parallels between the male and female minority experience and describe the qualitative methodology in which males concerned with children under 8 years old and females on motor vehicle engineering programs were interviewed. The results show that students were generally satisfied with classroom practice, but there were some difficulties in workshops and with practical experience. Students did not identify gender as a significant issue, but highlighted intimidatory behaviour and gender stereotypes as barriers preventing full participation in the classroom. The authors conclude that, although same gender tutors were not seen as significant, educational strategies to develop increased integration and contact between all students might be beneficial. Show less

This article discusses a gender equity project which is looking at whether there are problems in those areas where women or men are in a minority, for example, women working in engineering or men who work in childcare centres. The expected outcomes of the project are also discussed in the article. Show less

This report considers the low rate of women's participation in the Information Technology industry. It makes four recommendations to encourage increased participation by women in Information Technology. Appendix one contains a detailed analysis of a survey of Year 11 and 12 students regarding Information Technology. Show less

Foras Aiseanna Saothair (FAS) - Training and Employment Authority, was established in January 1988 to provide a wide range of services to the labour market in Ireland. FAS activities are funded by the Irish Government, the National Training Fund and the European Union. The main aims of the agency are to: provide the training and skills necessary for the Irish workforce to compete internationally; help unemployed workers gain employment; assist employers in securing skilled labour at all levels; and, provide intensive support to those disadvantaged on the labour market. This document presents the results of the 1996 and 1997 Action Programme for Women. In addition, it reviews the overall participation by women across all FAS programs. The report also provides an outline of the strategy for the new Women in Focus Programme 1998-2000. The Programme aims to increase and broaden the range of job opportunities accessible to women in the labour market. Specifically, it is designed to encourage increased participation by women in sectors of the labour market traditionally dominated by men, promote the participation by women at all levels in growing, future-oriented sectors of the labour market to better utilise human resources, and facilitate the upgrading of existing skill levels among women. Show less

This is a report of the results of an in-depth phone survey of women who have recently successfully completed a course in a non-traditional area of study through the Open Training and Education Network (OTEN). A 'non-traditional area of study', for this report, involves study in a course or vocational area that has historically been dominated numerically by men. The main research question was 'What factors are likely to contribute to success in non-traditional courses for women studying at a distance?' Show less