There is renewed interest in better aligning vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) to enable students to move between, and draw from, both sectors. This is not a new concept, with a long history of policies, research projects and reports examining and promoting pathways between the two sectors. Loosely integrated…

This document was produced by the authors based on their research for the report "The Best of Both Worlds? Integrating VET and Higher Education" and is an added resource for further information. This support document includes two sections: (1) Tables and Figures; and (2) Literature Review. [For the full report, see ED616032.]

Internationally, Australia's tertiary education system, comprising the higher education and vocational education and training (VET) sectors, is highly regarded, with both sectors subject to ongoing national review and reforms. This paper explores in detail the multiple issues that lie at what might be termed the "boundaries and…

This study explores employers' perspectives on workforce training from 10 firms in three industries (red meat processing, road freight transport, and freight forwarding) located in urban and regional areas of five states on Australia's eastern seaboard. The analysis draws on data collected at interviews with senior managers and internal and…

Developing academic relationships between vocational colleges and universities in Australia has been problematic, with exchanges between the two sectors limited to linear articulation and prescribed credit transfer. Whilst some very good examples of collaboration exist, the two sectors generally operate independently of each other. The isolation…

A project funded through the National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation program investigated higher education programs--mostly bachelor's and associate degrees--offered by technical and further education (TAFE) institutes. This overview highlights some of the implications for staff development identified through this…

To secure more significant input from industry in Australian college programs, a number of mechanisms exist, including college councils. A study surveyed the operation of existing councils from the perspective of college administrators, using an extensive questionnaire, and from the perspective of members of a number of councils perceived as…

A study investigated knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to operate in new working arrangements where people operate in alliance with others. Six strategic alliances were selected across three states and different industries. Participants in contractor alliances and stakeholders in the study were interviewed. Findings indicated that all…

An empirical model for evaluating a school-TAFE (technical and further education) link program was derived from the results of an evaluation of a Queensland, Australia, program. The program established a TAFE center run by the county TAFE college on high school grounds, in which students could take 50% of their courses. The evaluation gathered…

A study investigated linkages between adult community education (ACE) and mainstream vocational education and training (VET) in Australia, which enable people to move between the two sectors in their pursuit of vocational learning, and the ways in which linkages might be improved or new ones developed. The data from the study were derived from 69…

Demand for cross-sectoral education and training provision is increasing. These new forms of participation are more likely to require flexible delivery, part-time study, short courses, intersectoral movement, and customized student pathways. Education and training are strongly associated with productivity in the new economy, but participation in…

Auspicing in Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector involves organizations entering into partnerships with registered training organizations (RTOs) to have the training and assessment they undertake recognized under the National Training Framework. RTOs bear responsibility for assuring the quality of the assessments conducted…

The Disadvantaged Country Areas Program in Australia involves a limited number of areas in each State selected according to their relative poverty, special need for improved educational provisions, and lack of opportunities for employment and training for young people. All schools in the declared areas are expected to share the services and…