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Presented are the findings of the case study component of a three-stage evaluation of the English as a Second Language (ESL) and literacy elements of the Special Intervention Program (SIP). Those studies demonstrated that SIP ESL and literacy assistance are helping jobseekers to overcome barriers to employment. Jobseekers have ready and immediate access to suitable ESL and literacy assistance. Once their language or literacy barrier has been identified, they are being placed in a training course or other form of assistance tailored to their individual needs. Study participants were clients, CES officers, and key personnel from a range of training providers. They were interviewed in late 1994. This study will be complemented by a longitudinal survey. Show less

In 1990, the Australian government implemented an employer training levy, the Training Guarantee scheme, that required Australian enterprises to contribute some of their income to employee training or a government fund for the development of training programs. The Training Guarantee was suspended on 1 July 1994 and abolished in 1996 after much negative publicity about its impact, particularly on small business. This two-volume evaluation report examines the effectiveness of the Training Guarantee and the reasons for its successes and failures. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of changes in industry-based training in Australia during the early 1990s. This is the first analysis to combine data from all four 1993-1994 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) training surveys. The evaluation took place over three years and involved extensive research on training behaviour in all areas of Australian industry in order to isolate the specific contribution of the Training Guarantee to changes in training activity.

The main report details the full findings of the evaluation along with references to statistical and other sources. The summary report focuses on the findings related specifically to the impact of the Training Guarantee, the strengths and weaknesses of its design, and the processes through which it operated. The main report comprehensively describes the changes that took place during the period beginning with the identification of the need for such a levy and ending with its suspension in mid-1994. It demonstrates the contribution of the Training Guarantee to increases in training effort across a wide range of Australian enterprises during the four years of it operation. It assisted in the protection of existing training activity during the recession of the early 1990s but had little success in changing industry behaviour where there was no established training culture. The report concludes that the levy was reasonably effective in terms of the time at which it was introduced. It created widespread awareness of training as an element of business strategy and provided an opportunity for many employers to focus attention on their training strategies. From the perspective of the government, the program was found to be highly cost effective.

This report was completed before the government's decision to abolish the Training Guarantee and so does not cover developments since the implementation of that decision. Show less

‘Working nation’ was introduced in May 1994 with the objectives of reducing unemployment and fostering sustainable economic growth. It included a set of policies aimed at industry and regional development, the reform of labour market assistance, and the development of a more skilled and flexible labour force. This report is an interim evaluation, giving information on the implementation of the initiatives and some early measures of effectiveness. Insufficient time has elapsed to assess the longer term impacts of the initiatives, which were to be the focus of a further report in two years. However, work is continuing outside the evaluation to measure those impacts. That work will use the results of a longitudinal survey of jobseekers and a working age reference group. First results are expected in late 1996.

The main findings of this current evaluation were that it is necessary to be realistic about what can be achieved through active, labour market policies. This applies both to the setting of targets and to the way in which targets interact with broader policy objectives. Areas covered include: early intervention strategies; case management; the Job Compact; the Youth Training Initiative (YTI); entry-level training initiatives; employer servicing; assistance to different client groups, such as the long-term unemployed; and indicators of effectiveness. Show less

This report provides details of six case studies which were undertaken in 1992 as part of a review of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Strategic Initiatives Program (AESIP). The Commonwealth provides dedicated funds through AESIP, for strategic initiatives directed towards the achievement of the twenty one goals for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, as identified by the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Education Policy (AEP). The case studies presented in this report are not evaluations, nor do they pretend to cover the full range of practical strategies funded. Each case study was chosen to be different. In total they highlight the diversity of responses throughout Australia to the challenge embodied in the AEP goals. As far as possible, the case studies document the overall approach taken by the funded organisation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education, rather than discussing only those issues which directly relate to AESIP funding.

The case studies are based on qualitative data (opinions, perceptions) collected during discussions which were structured around a range of education and participation issues. The discussions involved both individuals and representatives from organisations concerned with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education and included educators, administrators, students, parents, and consultative groups. The basis of the interviews was a loosely structured interview guide. This approach reduced the likelihood of the information provided by participants being distorted by preconceived ideas of the interviewers. As a further check on accuracy, the draft reports on the individual case studies were checked for factual accuracy by the organisations involved. In must be stressed that, at the time the field visits were conducted, AESIP was still in its early stages. Some of the problems raised during the discussions may have been caused by teething problems that have since been identified and addressed.

Edited excerpts from publication. Show less

This report details the findings of research into the impact of labour market programmes on the employment prospects of those assisted. These ‘net impact’ studies compared the unsubsidised employment levels of former programme participants and similar groups of people who had not been assisted (controlling for criteria such as duration of unemployment, age, and gender). Its focus is the most recent analysis, completed in 1996. This study extended upon programme evaluation research and, for the first time, examined the effect of programmes in reducing dependency on income support. The findings are consistent with those of earlier research, in that JobStart wage subsidies were shown to result in a significant improvement in the job prospects of those assisted. Consideration is given to JobTrain, New Work Opportunities, and SkillShare programmes and to Job Clubs. Show less

This report covers an evaluation of the Additional Pre-vocational Places Programme, 1991-92. The programme was designed to provide people with skills and training necessary to gain access to skilled employment, such as an apprenticeship, traineeship, or a position involving advanced vocational training. Targeted for training were teenagers, people from non English-speaking backgrounds, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The evaluation found that in general, pre-vocational training increases the likelihood of gaining skilled employment or articulating to further vocational education and training. Show less

The evaluation of the JobSkills programme was conducted between October 1993 and June 1994. The research team believes that many of the issues raised remain relevant to the current delivery of labour market programmes, particularly the need to achieve employment outcomes and to do this in a cost-effective manner. This report looks in detail at those two issues. Major findings include the high cost of JobSkills, which is to be anticipated of a programme geared to the long-term unemployed; the value participants place on the opportunity to work and to gain recognised skills through accredited training; the need to monitor closely the variable quality and relevance of the training and work experience provided; and the need to target the employment growth areas in the private sector. Show less

This is the final (and only) report of a two stage project on the effects of financial incentives on employers' decisions to recruit apprentices and trainees, and more specifically, the role that the Commonwealth Rebate for Apprentice Full-time Training (CRAFT) and Australian Traineeship Scheme (ATS) subsidies (provided through DEETYA) play in recruitment decisions. The methodology is reported, outcomes discussed and major conclusions are presented. Show less

The twelve-month Post Program Monitoring (PPM) survey was conducted between May and July, 1995, and included over 84,000 former labour market program participants who left their placements a year earlier. The survey covered all of DEETYA's major labour market programs. This report summarises employment outcomes' information 3 and 12 months after people left these programs. Also summarised are the outcomes for individual clients and client groups. Tables and charts complement the text. Appended are thumbnail descriptions of the surveyed programs as well as the form letter and survey form sent to program participants. Show less