The public health measures established to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic have created uncertain economic conditions in Australia, significantly impacting on the activities of businesses. As the country continues to adjust to living with the virus, it is important that the vocational education and training (VET) sector understands the…

This support document contains material that supports the research report, "Higher Apprenticeships in Australia: What Are We Talking About?". It provides more detail on two elements of the research: (1) An overview of publicly available information on international models of higher apprenticeships, both established and under development…

In a context of considerable interest in apprenticeship in recent years, Cedefop and the OECD decided to explore its future from the perspective of a number of megatrends, including sociodemographic changes, the accelerated adoption of emerging technologies and new forms of work organisation. They also considered how these trends have affected,…

To date, there has been little examination of those who complete training in male-dominated sectors and continue to work in these sectors within regional Australia. Therefore, in this preliminary qualitative study, we examine the attraction and retention issues of women entering male-dominated trades within regional NSW. This paper reports on…

This publication presents information on employers' use and views of the vocational education and training (VET) system. The findings relate to the various ways in which Australian employers use the VET system to meet their skill needs and their satisfaction with the training. Australian employers can engage with the VET system in three main ways,…

Studies show teaching assistants (TAs) can positively influence the learning environment by increasing student comprehension and retention and impacting students' choices of academic and career paths. However, use of TAs in higher education is not universal. Following a fruitful panel discussion at the 2017 HAPS Conference, we conducted a survey…

This publication presents information on employers' use and views of the vocational education and training (VET) system. The findings relate to the various ways in which Australian employers use the VET system and unaccredited training to meet their skill needs, and their satisfaction with these methods of training. Australian employers can engage…

Internationally, there is a growing body of research on industry-school partnership, particularly regarding the principles that contribute to effective and efficient partnership models that facilitate vocational-industrial education. However, there are very few articles in the literature that seek to understand the sustainability of…

After a period of relative neglect in many countries, apprenticeships and other forms of work-based learning are experiencing a revival. Their effectiveness in easing school-to-work transitions and serving the economy is increasingly recognised. However, engaging individuals, employers, social partners and education and training systems in such…

Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to examine the ways in which Australian companies can achieve high quality apprenticeship and traineeship systems in a time of labour shortage through close attention to the recruitment and development of apprentices and trainees. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on six qualitative case studies…

This study identifies the factors which explain why individuals enter or do not enter traditional trade apprenticeships. Two sources of information are used--students in secondary schools and current apprentices (including those who have recently completed their training). Specifically, information was obtained from about 800 apprentices and close…

This report investigates the future supply of and demand for certain types of skilled labour at the trades and sub-trades levels that will be required for these projects up to 2010. In particular, it focuses on skilled labour in the mechanical, fabrication and electrical trades and mobile plant operators and construction workers in the sub-trades.…

The impact of labor hire companies (employment agencies) on Australia's apprenticeship system was studied. Three data collection strategies were used: literature review; survey of a random sample of 200 labor hire firms in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia; and case studies of four recruitment and labor hire firms and…

This paper looks at the selection of students in Australia for trades-based prevocational or pre-apprenticeship courses. Selections for two types of courses are considered in the paper: (1) pre-apprenticeship courses that focus on a particular trade area and usually lead to credit in only one apprenticeship course; and (2) prevocational courses…

A study examined the measures taken in seven colleges in the Hunter Region of New South Wales to promote the entry of women into nontraditional trades. Questionnaires were given to all female apprentices in nontraditional trades and a random sample of male apprentices in the same trades in 1983; all female apprentices who withdrew from training in…