Older workers' perspectives are examined in a national survey of the finance sector and case studies of aged care and construction workers. The majority of older workers intend to work beyond retirement age, to achieve a better lifestyle. With training, older workers could mentor younger workers. This support document includes a national survey of…

This report examines the extent and nature of professional development required to meet the current and future needs of Workplace English Language and Literacy Programme practitioners. While the working environment for such practitioners is becoming more complex, with greater demands on them to have industry knowledge and project management…

In June 2005, the Victorian State Government introduced the Regional Jobs Package (RJP)--a twelve-month pilot program that attempted to kill two social policy problems with one stone. The problems were youth unemployment and skills shortages in regional areas of Victoria, Australia. The intention of the RJP was to create a "win-win"…

This paper explores whether a professional development weblog could support work-based learning in a TAFE Library. The paper includes both a literature review of material dealing with work-based learning in the VET sector, weblogs and their possible use as a professional development tool and an evaluation of a weblog project devised to support…

The two papers in this newsletter focus on youth employment and training programs in the United States and the government response to unemployment in Australia. In the first paper, "Looking at Other Countries, No. 1: United States. Youth Employment and Training Programs during the First Two Years of the Reagan Administration" by Ralph E.…

Describes distinctions between "education" and "training," with particular reference to the relationships between England's Department of Education and Science and the Manpower Services Commission. Applies these lessons to relations between Australia's Department of Employment and Industrial Relations and its Technical and…

The subject of youth policy is discussed in three articles: youth policy developments in Western Australia, Australian Council of Trade Unions policies on youth employment and training, and an outline of developments and provisions in youth policy. (CT)

The Australian labor market in 1992 was characterized by (1) high unemployment; (2) variability across states; (3) long-term unemployment; (4) government focus on infrastructure projects; (5) emphasis on training; and (6) enterprise bargaining in industrial relations. (SK)

Vocational educators (n=12) in an Australian boys' school's apprenticeship program viewed vocational education pragmatically and were concerned that their courses and students were perceived as inferior. They predominantly used a project-oriented approach and a facilitative teaching style. (SK)

Describes historical background, organization, funding, and current course structure and accreditation in Australia's national system of Vocational Education and Training (VET). Discusses implications of recent VET changes for rural college libraries in terms of providing appropriate resources to training programs and flexible services to students…

Notes that at Australia's Special Broadcasting Services Radio, workplace training is an essential requirement for on-air staff but a degree in journalism or communications is an enormous advantage. Describes several in-house accredited competency-based modules in journalism and broadcasting. (RS)

An Australian study examined the relationship between current and past participation in education and training in small business and success or failure and how small businesses decide how to improve knowledge and skills. Telephone surveys were conducted with 181 small businesses in 4 industries in 3 metropolitan and 3 non-metropolitan regions.…

Helping young people make a smooth transition from school to the workplace or further study has become an important role for the vocational education and training (VET) sector. To provide a clear picture of young people's participation in vocational education and training, and the impact and role of VET on their transitions to work, this "At…

This report compares the provision of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom. It finds that training policies are increasingly based on similar general principles which promote the improvement and reform of vocational education and training, although the implementation of these principles tends to…

This publication reflects the diversity of the Australian vocational education and training system at client, provider, and program levels. Following an introduction, section 2 presents a summary of data on: Australia by provider type; Australia, 1997 and 1996; states and territories, 1997; and activity in vocational programs. Section 3, arranged…