Vocational Voices

In this episode, we discuss the vital role of partnerships in the VET sector. These partnerships help connect training with the skills that industries need. Simultaneously, they build the capacity and resilience of both providers and employers.  Our focus centres on four key elements that are fundamental to successful partnerships. We take a close look at these factors in a case study featuring The Management Edge and Murrumbidgee Local Health District. In this case study, we gain insights from the employer, the trainer, and the learner regarding the power of collaboration in delivering leadership training to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers. This discussion draws from the research report Building effective RTO-employer partnerships and the accompanying Good Practice Guide, both of which were published on 20 September 2023.

The concept of “meaningful work” is something that’s been regularly discussed by vocational education and training (VET) researchers for many years. But what does it mean and what are the pathways for achieving that end? Join NCVER's Dr Joy de Leo and Dr Michael Healy from myfuture as they explore the current labour market, the top occupations in demand in Australia, the implications of sound career advice for people seeking jobs, and how VET pathways can help lead to meaningful careers. 

In the past few years, the VET sector has faced rapid socioeconomic, demographic and technological change. When unforeseen events such as COVID-19 emerged, the sector quickly adapted by upskilling workplaces, training organisations and VET trainers in digital and remote work methods. Tune in to our podcast and listen to VET experts share their insights and research. They will also delve into conversations about how the VET sector can continue to respond to skills demands during times of disruption and rapid change.

Is the time right for change and "to be bold and think big, and challenge the way we think about tertiary education" in Australia? In this episode, we explore potential reforms to universities, their missions, and structures, while considering the role of VET. One perspective suggests establishing two types of universities: one focused on practical, hands-on learning for professional skills, and the other dedicated to research and comprehensive education. Tom Karmel argues that higher education is more than just theoretical knowledge—it's inherently vocational, preparing students for their chosen professions. He sees a lot of what the VET sector is teaching is generic skills which can be transferred to a wider range of jobs. Tom proposes the idea of a "professional university" that offers qualifications from certificates to degrees, focusing on practical education and strong connections to the job market. Jenny Dodd agrees with many of Tom’s ideas for creating a more integrated tertiary education system but raises concerns about the term "professional university." Simon Walker supports the need for an integrated model that allows students to build on their learning across various qualifications. He sees potential benefits in such a system, particularly in promoting equity and supporting disadvantaged students.

Making sure the VET sector serves regional, rural and remote Australia remains an ongoing policy priority. In this episode, we talk about the challenges that RTOs face when delivering training in regional Australia. What are the barriers and how are they being addressed? We also consider whether local training providers should be given more flexibility to tailor their programs to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve. Steve Davis interviews Joanne Payne, Managing Director, Central Regional TAFE in WA, Tabatha Griffin, Senior Research Officer, NCVER and Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER about these challenges and the need for diverse and flexible training approaches to better meet the needs of people in regional areas. The discussion draws from VET delivery in regional, rural and remote Australia: barriers and facilitators, published by NCVER on 24 April 2023.

In 2022, we invited expert vocational voices from the VET sector to share their views, stories, experiences and insights on a range of hot topics. ‘Best of 2022’ is a roundup of the most interesting snippets and research findings from across the four podcast episodes we released during the year. Full of short and sharp insights from each of our guest speakers, we cover off some of the best bits of Season 7.

Aside from the health and economic impacts, the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected Australia’s VET sector. The full scale of these effects, however, has just started to emerge. In what ways did the first waves of the pandemic affect the VET workforce – including trainers, resource developers and administrative staff? What changes and innovations happened? More importantly, what were the impacts on students and their practical learning, particularly those in industries with a high skills shortage? Steve Davis talks to Jenny Dodd, Chief Executive Officer, TAFE Directors Australia, Brian Rungie, Chief Exective Officer, PEER and Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER about the varying impacts of the pandemic, as well as the COVID-19 related opportunities and challenges being faced by Australia’s VET sector. The discussion partially draws from NCVER research in progress which will be published in early-mid 2023.

Join host Steve Davis for some handpicked highlights from three panel discussions at the 31st National VET Research Conference ‘No Frills’ held in July 2022. The conference theme was VET's role in transforming the future. Topics covered in the lively discussion include why business leaders are turning to education and training for the solutions; the future skill needs of service-based industries; upskilling and reskilling and the impact of COVID-19 on employers and their training choices; strengthening skills pathways to work for disadvantaged youth; quality VET delivery; and VET course pathways. Speakers are Ms Megan Lilly, Australian Industry Group; Ms Silvia Munoz, SkillsIQ; Mr Ian White, NCVER; Ms Kira Clarke, Brotherhood of St Laurence; Mr Hugh Guthrie, Lusid Pty Ltd and Mr Damian Oliver, National Skills Commission.  

Both vocational education and training (VET) and higher education (HE) offer the skills, knowledge and qualifications needed to equip students to progress their career and lifelong learning.  But given the difficulty and huge costs associated in integrating VET and HE, how do we harness the best of both sectors and maximise their benefits to students, employers and industry? Megan Lilly, Executive Director of Ai Group’s Centre for Education & Training and Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER talk to Steve Davis about why greater connectedness and fluidity between the sectors might be better than integration.   The discussion draws from The best of both worlds? Integrating VET and higher education, published by NCVER on 25 November 2021.

Participation in higher education by school leavers has increased significantly in the last decade. VET participation has lagged by comparison. Are students headed for university accorded higher status at school than those who prefer to pursue a trade apprenticeship or traineeship? While the general outcomes for students who participate in VET in Schools is good, choosing the right VET course or VET pathway is critical, as some pathways are undoubtedly better than others in terms of employment outcomes. Professor Peter Shergold AC, who chaired a major review for Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers of Education on senior secondary school pathways (Looking to the Future), and Simon Walker, Managing Director, NCVER talk to Steve Davis about whether people are overestimating the impact of ATAR on a student’s future career prospects, and the proliferation of pathways that can be followed to find a future career. The discussion draws from VET for secondary school students: insights and outcomes, published by NCVER on 14 October 2021.