Higher-level vocational education and training qualifications: their importance in today's training market

The purpose of the project reported here was to investigate the relevance of higher-level vocational education and training (VET) qualifications for addressing the skill needs of enterprises in six industry sectors: disability services; nursing; engineering; electronics/electro-technology; multi-media; and design. The research included a review of the relevant literature on higher-level VET skills and qualifications. Quantitative data on participation in higher-level awards and the outcomes of these programs were also collected. Qualitative data were collected through focus groups and interviews with representative enterprises, students enrolled in higher-level VET qualifications and training package developers in all six industry sectors. The report suggests some possible improvements, including a greater emphasis on opportunities within training programs for extended and practical workplace experience and in cross-discipline knowledge and industry skills. Show less