ERIC Number: ED495175
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2005
Pages: 46
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: ISBN-1-9208-9645-7
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Skilling a Seasonal Workforce: A Way Forward for Rural Regions
Kilpatrick, Sue; Bound, Helen
National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
Seasonal work is crucial for the many rural regions reliant on seasonal industries such as agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism. This report examines the diverse nature of the seasonal workforce in two locations and the approaches used in their training. The report finds that the seasonal workforce is diverse and has varied training needs. Like others marginally attached to the workforce, much of their training is informal. Seasonal workers have difficulty accessing formal training and having their informal learning properly recognised. More formal training approaches are particularly relevant for those making a career of seasonal work. Barriers for employers to formal training include lack of suitable customised training programs, a lack of awareness of available training, cost, complex funding arrangements, and a low value placed on such training. Enhancers to formal training include employers who encourage and value training for their workforce, the use of brokers to assist employers to access training, and training providers with in-depth knowledge of regional industry and enterprises to meet the diverse needs of seasonal workers, and legislative requirements. (Contains 5 tables and 5 figures.)
Descriptors: Seasonal Laborers, Informal Education, Foreign Countries, Forestry, Vocational Education, Rural Areas, Job Skills, Agricultural Laborers, Tourism
National Centre for Vocational Education Research Ltd. P.O. Box 8288, Stational Arcade, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. Tel: +61-8-230-8400; Fax: +61-8-212-3436; e-mail: ncver@ncver.edu.au; Web site: http://www.ncver.edu.au/publications/index.html
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Australian National Training Authority, Brisbane.
Authoring Institution: National Centre for Vocational Education Research, Leabrook (Australia).
Identifiers - Location: Australia
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A