"Research Messages 2021" highlights the diverse range of research activities undertaken over the past year by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). In 2021, research was shaped both by the VET (vocational education and training) reform agenda, and issues emerging from the pandemic. The 2021 national VET research…

The paper deals with the evaluation of specialists' professional training quality within the framework of intersectoral, transborder, public and private models of social partnership described in theories by foreign and Russian scientists. Special attention is paid to providing methodological grounds for cooperation between the total subjects…

Citing information gained in his study of professional development programs in industry, retailing, and banking, the author proposes a new model for staff development in England's secondary schools, one based on self-assessment of individual needs and diversified training strategies. (SJL)

The article describes a supported work approach to providing vocational placement and support to persons with moderate and severe disabilities in competitive employment settings. Four major components (job placement, job-site training, ongoing monitoring, and follow-up) are outlined. Proposals are made for integrating a supported work approach…

The authors advocate a supported work approach for disabled youth which features four components: (1) job placement, (2) job site training and advocacy, (3) ongoing assessment, and (4) follow-along and transition. Logistical considerations of such an approach in the public schools are explored, including transportation, community-referenced…

The guide for coordinators of cooperative office education in Virginia, the work of 138 coordinators participating in 36 in-service workshops, describes specific steps for developing and using training plans in cooperative office education. Five short chapters discuss the what and why of training plans, development and use of model training…

Compares employment opportunities for graduates and dropouts of two types of education in the Netherlands, using an estimation model for labor market position (employed and underemployed) in the first years after leaving school. Completed inservice training does not offer more advantageous transition probabilities than full-time education in the…

The study reports on a data-based work experience model for secondary students with autism. The objectives were to increase competency and independence, provide a variety of experiences to assess skills and preferences, and modify interfering behaviors. Five autistic students, aged 16-20, were sent to community work sites providing a variety of…

After briefly summarizing major policy concerns and different perspectives on the relationship between training and work, this report discusses three main modes of vocational training: school-based training, apprenticeship, and training of employees. The goals and ideologies connected with these modes and the national systems that exemplify them…

Traditionally, disabled persons have received vocational training in sheltered workshops and after evaluation have been placed into work activity, extended sheltered employment, or transitional employment programs. Transition then to competitive employment is atypical for persons with severe disabilities. Their employment situation has improved…

This paper considers how differences between groups in investment in on-the-job training (OJT) may affect secondary vocational program evaluations using single-period earnings. Utilizing the human capital model, a correction factor for OJT is derived and applied to Borus' data (Comparative Education Review, February 1977). (Author/SJL)

Alternative schools in public school districts and private institutions offer a choice of more than one educational option to students. These schools usually have some of the following characteristics: voluntary participation, distinctiveness, nonexclusiveness, comprehensive objectives, and a supportive learning environment. Instructional styles…

Outlined in this two-part document is a model for the implementation of a business-industry oriented program designed to provide high school seniors with updated training in the skills and concepts necessary for developing competencies in entry-level and second-level accounting jobs that involve accounts receivable, accounts payable, and payroll…

The State of Washington commissioned research into various issues involving services to school dropouts under the terms of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA). Data suggested that each service delivery area (SDA) had its own set of internal dynamics (economic, cultural, demographic variables) that resulted in a characteristic pattern of…

The European Training Foundation's Advisory Forum established four working groups, one of which was to conduct activities relating to new National Vocational Education and Training (VET) Standards. The 1995 working session accepted definitions of VET Standards and described three models. The 1996 working session decided on a checklist of steps to…