A manufacturing organization that trained workers on the job using active learning techniques demonstrated to the organization the benefits of training. As a result, a cultural change has taken place and workers believe they have been empowered. (JOW)

Discusses one of the difficulties facing journalism educators: how to properly prepare students for the wide range of jobs available to them. Argues it is preferable to teach students the core principles underlying journalism as a discipline and the core skills and methods of journalistic practice. Notes a widespread misunderstanding about the…

Suggests there are different sets of news values for different types of newspapers because they are serving different types of communities. Addresses the issues of whether suburban Australian newspapers are really different, and, if they are, what does that mean for the way journalism educators should teach journalism. (RS)

Discusses whether young people working at suburban newspapers require any different preparation than their counterparts who head directly for the metropolitan media. Notes similar questions arise regarding those heading for provincial and rural media and those, from smaller or less developed countries overseas, who will return home on graduation.…

Interviews and focus groups with 32 apprentices, 21 employers, and 6 teachers in Australia's construction industry showed that on-the-job learning was perceived as more real and focused on "how"; off-the-job learning was less pressured, broader, more theoretical, and concerns with "why." The different contributions each made to…

The authors of this article were involved in designing and delivering a vocational education and training (VET) program for employees of a large Australian government agency. Learning partnerships were included as an integral part of this program and research was conducted to determine whether learning partnerships could be used effectively in…

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)

Notes suburban Australian newspapers have traditionally relied on a junior workforce, which means they have a significant influence in training cadets and shaping the journalists of the future. Suggests lack of staff and resources mean that the loftier ideals of journalism often give way to more practical issues. Discusses the challenges facing…

Suggests recruits to the rural press face particular challenges that might inhibit their capacity to work to the professional standards of their metropolitan counterparts. Considers four ways to lift the standards of the rural press through education and training in universities to prepare students for the rural workplace. (RS)

"Framing the Future" is a major staff development initiative of the Australian National Training Authority. The initiative supports people in the vocational education and training (VET) sector who are involved in implementing the National Training Framework. "Framing the Future" encourages VET practitioners to take…

Outlines an innovative approach taken by a TAFE (technical and further education) institute in Tasmania to overcome problems associated with effective implementation of on-the-job training in field placements of early childhood students. The program involves a college-based child care training center, where students in an Associate's degree…

Interviews with 14 Australian students and 6 graduates of a vocational college showed that, although 5 of the graduates felt their learning transferred to the workplace, there was a distinction between school-based and workplace learning. Transfer was enhanced when they were given meaningful tasks and encouraged to use learning at work. (SK)

A research project investigated the place of educational drama methodologies in the workplace and vocational education in Australia. Through a special study unit, 10 workplace trainers volunteered to be involved as part of their course of study. The unit spanned 5 months and included 5 days of workshops exploring educational drama methodology and…

This booklet is part of the "Getting to Grips with..." series, which is intended for the general reader who wants to understand important trends in vocational education and training. It is designed to provide the reader with an understanding of the main practical aspects of on-the-job training. The booklet is in two parts. The first…

The evolution of the Workplace Education Service that operates in South Australia is chronicled. Begun as a single program designed to integrate workplace literacy, English as a Second Language, and literacy education for both native and non-native English-speakers in an automobile plant, the project grew into a network of programs and services in…