Equipping
Australia for the World of Work: A Critical Analysis of Vocational Education
and Training (VET) Reform in Australia
Abstract:
Equipping Australia
for the World of Work: a critical analysis of Vocational Education and
Training (VET) reform in Australia.
Australias
National strategy for VET 1998 -2003 identified 5 objectives:
Equipping Australia for the world of work
Enhancing mobility in the labour market
Achieving equitable outcomes in VET
Increasing investment in training: and
Maximising the value of public expenditure
Focussing on workforce
development, apprenticeships, and access and equity, the inherent contradictions
and restraints of Australian policy are explored, as well as often undervalued
achievements. The parties to the process will be examined: Who has been
included? Who has been excluded? How accountable have the strategic
partners of Government been? Some international comparisons are made
to illustrate the complexity of national skill development in an increasingly
global environment. Finally, what remains to be done? What are the issues
for the future?
Author:
Jill Gientzotis
Jill Gientzotis
is an independent consultant who works nationally in Australia, as well
as overseas. She was the former Commissioner for Vocational Training
in NSW, General Manager of the NSW Vocational Education and Training
Accreditation Board, and the Director of Recognition Services in the
NSW Department of Education and Training. She was the inaugural Executive
Director of the NSW Community Services and Health Industry Training
Board and has ten years experience in industrial relations. She has
published internationally on skills based restructuring, and Indigenous
employment, education and training.
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