This paper has been written as a supporting paper to "A Bridge to the Future: Australia's National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1998-2003" (ED 420 764). Because vocational education and training (VET) activities constitute a major expenditure for Australia's federal, state, and territory governments, effective…

This document contains summaries of five workshops, each with several speakers, held at a conference on competency-based training (CBT) in Australia. The following are included in Session 1, Developing and Delivering CBT Programs: "Developing and Delivering CBT Programs--Opening Speech" (Steve McDonald); "Competency Standards and…

This bulletin contains materials--announcements, papers, and studies--that are concerned with youth policy issues and that focus on education and training. The first section, entitled QUIDNUNC, offers brief descriptions of projects of interest, reports on inquiries and reviews, and announces recent appointments. The second section on aspects…

As a result of studies on fitting and machining apprentices attitudes toward employers, a study was conducted to obtain the attitudes of a sample of employers toward apprenticeship. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed to employers of fitting and machine students studying at a number of Sydney (Australia) Technical Colleges. An…

This report presents issues associated with incentives for training existing workers in small to medium-sized firms, identified through a small sample of case studies from the retail, manufacturing, and building and construction industries. While the majority of employers recognise workforce skill levels are fundamental to the success of the…

This document presents information to help Australian employers of apprentices and trainees to get the most out of training. The following are among the areas of personnel management and training for which guidelines are offered: (1) inducting employees, introducing them to the job, and inspiring them by explaining how their job fits into the big…

This report focuses on an investigation of assumptions and principles underpinning training and assessment programs offered by a civil construction company in Australia. Section 1 is an introduction. To conceptualize the new workplace and consider the role of literacy and numeracy in it, Section 2 addresses changing work conditions, features of a…

A study examined educational and pedagogical strategies industry trainers use for trainee learning and their methods of delivery, focusing on pedagogical practices using literacy and numeracy competencies in implementing training on the work site. It drew on case studies from five vocational education and training sites, looking at the industry,…

A study compared surveys conducted in 2000 of the graduates of Australian TAFE (Technical and Further Education) and university bachelor programs and outlined some of the similarities and differences between the two sectors. Some of the key findings of the study are the following: (1) 89 percent of TAFE graduates were employed or in further study…

Leading-edge firms (LEFs)--at the forefront of their industry in terms of growth or market share--may influence skill development through diffusion of technology, products, or practices and use of market power to set standards or change customer businesses. Study of LEFs can identify the type and mix of skills needed in the industry. LEFs are…

An analysis examined changes in participation in vocational education and training and in schooling and higher education in Australia. It drew principally on data from the Youth in Transitions study. Participation estimates were based on information from four cohorts of young people. Members of each cohort initially completed multiple-choice tests…

Research identified feasible strategies to support flexible delivery in operating workplaces. Sites were 12 enterprises in Victoria. Findings indicated flexible delivery was largely implemented by enterprises through the provision of a range of learning opportunities that included on-the-job observation, practice and mentoring, access to learning…

A study examined needs of client groups--industry, enterprises, regions, and individuals--and their consequences for policy and practice within Australian vocational education and training (VET). The requirements for VET in the food processing and clerical industry sectors were examined in three regions across Australia. The study comprised five…

Vocational education and training (VET) has a fundamental role to play in enabling Australia's successful transition to the information economy. Competitive advantage can be supported by intelligent competition and creative collaboration. Governments have played the fundamental role in building a coordinated VET system in Australia and in helping…

This report presents the contributions to theme five, "Adult Learning and the Changing World of Work," of the Fifth International Conference on Adult Education. Section 1 is an introduction to the Conference with objectives, themes, and agenda for the future. Section 2, "Discussion and Debate on the Issues of Theme Five" (R.…