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This report provides a summary of the outcomes of international students who completed their vocational education and training (VET) qualification in Australia in 2022. These students were surveyed as an additional component to the 2023 National Student Outcomes Survey. Information is presented on international onshore VET qualification completers' reasons for training and their employment outcomes, their satisfaction with training and further study outcomes. Overall, 13 594 international onshore VET qualification completers responded to the survey.

The Higher Education Standards Framework 2021 and the Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) set out requirements for recognition of prior learning (RPL) and granting credit in the higher education sector. Credit is a recognition of equivalence in content and learning outcomes between different types of learning and/or qualifications. Credit can reduce the amount of learning required to achieve a qualification. This report discusses the standards and issues of recognition of prior learning in Australian higher education. [For "Guidance Note: Admissions (Coursework). Version 2.0," see ED621555.]

The aim of this research was to identify the teaching practices and student support services that facilitate the successful online delivery of vocational education and training (VET), including in blended delivery. To achieve this, the research examined the characteristics of teaching approaches and student support services across eight qualifications delivered online, with these qualifications also representing diverse student cohorts (including apprentices and trainees), industry types and Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) levels. Using information collected from interviews with 37 registered training organisations (RTOs) who deliver at least one of the eight case-study qualifications, it explored: (1) how teaching practices and student support services vary across the diverse VET system (that is, differing RTO type, student cohort, training type and industry) and across delivery mode (that is, blended and fully online delivery, synchronous and asynchronous delivery); and (2) the elements of VET that are being delivered online, including for apprentices and trainees. [For the support document, see ED628927.]

In many occupations there has been a trend towards requiring an entry-level qualification where a qualification was previously not required for the occupation. For various other occupations, the type of qualification needed has changed to one of a higher level. Does this so-called 'credential creep' impact on the outcomes for individuals who choose a vocational education and training (VET) pathway as opposed to a higher education pathway? Using data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey and interviews with employers in four occupations -- childcare workers, surveyors, graphic designers and medical laboratory technicians -- this research explores whether individuals with VET qualifications and those with higher education qualifications employed in the same occupations are undertaking the same tasks and receiving the same job outcomes, such as salary and career pathways. [For the related support document, see ED623393.]

The aim of this analysis of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey is to compare labour market outcomes between individuals who have Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications only, VET and Higher Education (HE) qualifications and HE qualifications only, but who work in the same occupations. In this report, the authors describe: (1) how we define VET vs HE education qualifications; (2) how we selected a group of occupations that present a mix of qualifications; (3) how we selected the sample of respondents for analysis; (4) the characteristics of the sample; (5) how labour market outcomes differ between the qualification groups, including how these differences evolve over time as respondents progress through their career; and (6) the stability of the results to key decisions about the approach (section 6). [This report was produced with the Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research. For the related research report, see ED623391.]

"Apprentice and Trainee Outcomes 2021" provides a summary of the outcomes of apprentices and trainees who completed an apprenticeship or traineeship during 2020, with the data collected in mid-2021. The figures are derived from apprentices' and trainees' responses to the National Student Outcomes Survey (SOS), which is an annual survey of vocational education and training (VET) students. In 2021, the survey collected information on apprentices' and trainees' reasons for training, their employment outcomes, further study outcomes and satisfaction with the apprenticeship or traineeship. This document describes the survey data used to derive the "Apprentice and Trainee Outcomes 2021" publication and related products. [For the main report, "Apprentice and Trainee Outcomes 2021. Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics," see ED620513.]

This publication provides a summary of the outcomes of international students who completed a nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification in Australia during 2020 using data collected in mid-2021. These students were surveyed as an additional component to the 2021 National Student Outcomes Survey. Information is presented on international onshore VET qualification completers' reasons for training and their employment outcomes, their satisfaction with training and further study outcomes. Overall, 14,574 international onshore VET qualification completers responded to the survey. [For the 2020 report, see ED613018.]

The COVID-19 pandemic has created uncertain economic conditions due to restrictions put in place to control the spread of the virus. These restrictions have significantly impacted the economic activities of businesses and industries, and in turn the demand for labour. As the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia continues, it is important for the vocational education and training (VET) sector to understand how VET students who have recently completed their training are faring in terms of their outcomes. This includes which industries, occupations, demographic groups and regions have been and might continue to be affected by the economic circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the National Student Outcomes Survey, this report examines how domestic students who finished a VET qualification in 2019 fared in terms of their employment outcomes at the end of May 2020; amid the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. To enable comparisons with previous years, results are presented for students aged 18 years or over at the last Friday in May of the survey year. An overview of the survey is provided in appendix A. Tables summarising the impacts of the pandemic on other student groups are provided in appendix B.

Qualifications frameworks are tools for describing qualifications of an education or training system by classifying them into levels. Each level provides a clear description of what the holder of a qualification knows, understands and is able to do. They are important tools for making qualifications transparent and comprehensible, within and across borders, and for promoting lifelong learning. This fifth edition of the "Global Inventory of National and Regional Qualifications Frameworks" consists of two volumes with up-to-date information on recent developments in this field destined for policy-makers, educators, researchers, and experts. This volume, Volume II, compiles case studies from countries across four world regions to record progress in the development and implementation of National and Regional Qualifications Frameworks globally. A cross-country analysis of national case studies is presented, examining the objectives, functions and characteristics of national qualifications frameworks and their contributions to wider educational and training systems.

This report explores, from a variety of perspectives, the volume and nature of recognition of prior learning (RPL) currently granted in the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system. Of particular interest are the areas where most RPL is taking place, including the qualifications being completed with high rates of RPL. The report also includes an analysis of the factors that most affect the likelihood of RPL being granted to a student. Over the last four years, the rate of RPL being granted has fallen. During this time, the completion of subjects through RPL has only represented a small proportion of all successful results. Some general trends are identified in the areas where the rate of RPL granted is higher. In 2018, a higher proportion of successfully completed subjects with an RPL result (7%) was found in training package qualifications, compared with less than 1% for any other program type. Significant differences in the granting of RPL among the Australian states and territories are evident. Between 2015 and 2018 the trends in granting RPL also differed between the states and territories, with some rising or falling, while others remained stable. The student perspective on the granting of RPL is also examined in the report. Overall, the student analysis found that no single element of a student's background or characteristics was a strong determinant in the granting of RPL. The overall analysis demonstrated that no single element stood out as a predictor of RPL being granted, with the results confirming that the granting of RPL relies on a complex interplay of factors. While some factors might be more likely to predict an RPL outcome than others, no one single factor can be relied upon to explain RPL outcomes.

This report examines whether a distinction can be made in Australian VET between initial vocational education and training (IVET) and continuing vocational education and training (CVET), as applies in a number of other countries. Assisting students to more effectively identify and undertake courses that will optimise their outcomes from VET is the major rationale for this investigation. The other objective of this research is to enhance our understanding of VET, enabling useful input into future policy development and implementation. This report covers the following: (1) a brief overview of key aspects of IVET and CVET internationally (with a focus on Europe) and commentary on the Australian context; (2) an outline of the context of the Australian VET system and the features pertinent to the IVET/CVET distinction; and (3) a summary of expert views in relation to six questions on the distinction between IVET and CVET.

Recent vocational education and training (VET) reforms in many countries have focused on reducing the number of VET qualifications available and restructuring qualifications so that they better meet the needs of working life. This literature review provides examples of how VET qualifications have been rationalised in various countries and briefly explores the impact on qualification development. [For the research summary "Rationalising VET Qualifications: Selected International Approaches," see ED608323.]

This report provides a summary of the outcomes of international students who completed their vocational education and training (VET) qualification in Australia in 2018. These students were surveyed as an additional component to the 2019 National Student Outcomes Survey. Highlights include: Reason for training - 70.0 per cent of international onshore VET graduates undertook training for employment-related reasons, 24.9 per cent for personal reasons and 5.1 per cent for further study reasons; and 88.8 per cent fully or partly achieved their main reason for training, up 0.9 percentage points from 2018; Employment and further study outcomes - 57.6 per cent of international onshore VET graduates improved their employment status after training; and 51.3 per cent were enrolled in further study after training in Australia, up 12.5 percentage points from 2018; Satisfaction with training - 84.4 per cent of international onshore VET graduates were satisfied with the overall quality of the training, similar to 2018; 86.9 per cent would recommend the training, similar to 2018; and 83.2 per cent would recommend their training provider, down 1.6 percentage points from 2018. [For the 2018 report, see ED594824.]

This publication provides a summary of the outcomes of international students who completed their vocational education and training (VET) qualification in Australia in 2017. These students were surveyed as an additional component to the 2018 National Student Outcomes Survey. The international component comprised international onshore graduates undertaking VET qualifications delivered by: (1) TAFE (technical and further education) institutes; (2) universities; (3) community education providers; and private training providers. [For the report from the previous year, "International Onshore VET Graduate Outcomes 2017. Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics," see ED583518.]

This supporting document sets out the content analysis technique and detailed findings that underly part of the research conducted for the report titled "VET for secondary school students: acquiring an array of technical and non-technical skills." That report is the first in a set of studies that aims to understand the value of vocational education and training (VET) delivered to secondary school students. This supporting document reflects the detailed investigation of the extent to which training packages assist VET for secondary school students in the development of non-technical or generic skills. In this support document the authors provide detailed information on the findings of the content analysis technique they used to investigate the non-technical skills covered in selected training packages and Australian curriculum units reported on in the main report on "VET for secondary school students: acquiring an array of technical and non-technical skills." They describe the aims, method and processes for conducting the 'content analysis' and present the Skills Terminology Guide used to provide direction for the collection of the data. Also included are detailed findings of the content analysis of each of the training package qualifications investigated, the case studies of Certificate III in Carpentry and Joinery, and Certificate IV and Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Engineering. [For the full research report "VET for Secondary School Students: Acquiring an Array of Technical and Non-Technical Skills. Research Report," see ED594428.]

The role of vocational education and training (VET) in preparing secondary school students for employment, further training and the changing world of work has long been a topic of interest among employers, educationalists and policymakers. More recent attention has also been on VET's role in assisting in the development of non-technical skills (for example, employability skills), with employer groups vocal about the need for potential employees possessing these skills. This study is one part of a larger program of research investigating whether VET programs delivered to secondary students add value to their post-school destinations. In this report, the authors explore whether VET undertaken by secondary students, and in some cases by post-school students, equips them with the skills (including the non-technical skills) required to successfully participate in an ever-changing world of work. To do this, the authors analysed the VET programs of secondary students over the last 20 years, focusing on the number and types of programs undertaken and the characteristics of the participating students. They also undertook a content analysis of the core units of qualifications in selected training packages to identify whether these facilitate the development of non-technical skills. Data on the numbers of secondary school students in these programs from 2003 onwards have been provided to the National VET in Schools Collection by the jurisdictional boards of studies, and these form the underlying data used in this report. Due to definitional issues and reporting pathways, these data are likely to underestimate the total number of secondary school students undertaking VET programs. [For the supporting document to this report, "VET for Secondary School Students: Acquiring an Array of Technical and Non-Technical Skills -- Support Document," see ED594430.]

This study investigates the relationship between VET [vocational education and training] course durations and training quality and outcomes. Feedback from discussions with training practitioners, representatives of industry and government, and relevant Skills Service Organisations reveals that for many there is a tension between a desire to respect the non-time-based principles of a competency-based training system, and for durations to be specified and of adequate length to enable trainers the time to effectively cover required content, and students adequate time for learning and practice. Although course durations on their own are not felt to guarantee quality outcomes, they are felt to be a key factor when suitably aligned to the level and size of the qualification, and the demands of the intended occupation. The statistical analysis of subject results in four different areas showed higher proportions of subject withdrawals at RTOs [registered training organisations] with the highest median course durations. This in turn resulted in lower shares with a pass in courses of longer median durations. [Funding for this report was provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment, Skills and Family Business.]

Basic education is essential if societies and economies are to thrive and become sustainable in challenging times. However, many people have never had an opportunity to benefit from education and many others leave the initial phase of education without attaining the level of proficiency in literacy and numeracy needed to participate fully in society. The scale of the problem is large yet qualifications systems in many societies still limit their focus to qualifications acquired formally and do not offer opportunities for young people and adults to re-engage in learning pathways that have been interrupted. In order to avoid a significant loss of human potential, the non-formal and informal learning of young people and adults should be made visible and valued. Systems should be in place to ensure it is recognized, assessed and accredited. The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL), in partnership with UNESCO's Section of Partnerships, Cooperation and Research, has undertaken a number of comprehensive analyses of policy and practice in this area, which have highlighted the need to focus on the recognition, validation and accreditation (RVA) of youth and adult basic education. This report summarizes the research and policy dialogue of an international expert group invited by UNESCO to three meetings in 2016. It focuses on three themes -- principles, policy and practice -- and provides examples of how the issue is being approached across the world. It offers 12 conclusions, based on the evidence considered by the expert group, and proposes a number of key messages for stakeholders in Member States, including policy-makers and the research community.

People participate in vocational education and training (VET) for a variety of reasons and at different stages of their life. Some undertake VET to gain the vocational skills necessary to enter the labour market for the first time, while others enter in order to upgrade existing skills, learn new ones, or simply for personal interest. Successful completion of a VET qualification may not be the prime objective for all students. This consideration, together with the fact that not all people are equally capable of coping with the education and training demands required of some qualifications, suggests that measures of VET qualification completion rates may not be adequate for determining the full effectiveness of the sector. Hence, a number of different performance measures exist. However, little information is available on the likelihood of success for individual students or on the characteristics of those students more or less likely to succeed in completing their qualification. Consequently, there is a need to identify the various learner groups undertaking VET and determine those factors that impact upon their likelihood of success in completing their qualification. Complementary to the publication "Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics: VET Program Completion Rates 2011-15," the aim of the project is to identify the factors affecting the likelihood of completing a VET qualification among government-funded students. In doing so it is hoped that the findings prompt discussion on ways to improve VET completion by identifying the characteristics of those students most likely to complete a VET qualification. A further aim of this research is to explore the feasibility of using advanced data analytics to examine the factors that influence the likelihood of completing a VET qualification. Three appendices are included. [To view "Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics: VET Program Completion Rates 2011-15," see ED575989.]

This report brings together research publicly released by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) over the year. The 2017 compilation reflects an extensive collection of NCVER research activities undertaken during 2017, comprising reports, summaries, infographics, occasional papers, presentations and webinars. NCVER has organized their research program into three priority areas: (1) Structures and systems for skilling and learning; (2) The impact of vocational education and training; and (3) Teaching and learning. Summaries of projects that were published under each of these priorities are presented in this report. [For the previous year, "Research Messages 2016," see ED573529.]

England has a 'pre-qualification' system of higher education admissions, where applications and offers are made to young people before exam results are received. While in most cases offers are conditional on achieving a grade target in A Level exams, recent years have seen an exponential growth in 'unconditional offers', where the offer of a place is made long before exams are taken, and is not conditional on results. The government has recently announced a review of the HE admissions system in England and has opened a consultation on the future shape of this system. Should the system stay as it is, move to a Post Qualifications Offers (PQO) model, or move to a Post Qualifications Applications (PQA) model? This briefing focuses on the global picture where HE admissions systems and specifically HE admissions timetables are concerned, and provides an overview.

A national qualifications framework (NQF) is an instrument used to classify a country's qualifications at different levels. Each level is defined by a set of learning outcomes expected at that level. NQFs can be useful tools in education and training reforms and are vital reference points for lifelong learning and comparing qualifications across borders. The "Global Inventory of Regional and National Qualifications frameworks 2017, Volume II: National and regional cases" gives an update on the national and regional qualification frameworks of 99 countries around the world. For each country, the NQF has been analysed based on the policy objectives, the levels and use of learning outcomes, stakeholder involvement and institutional arrangements, the recognition of non-formal and informal learning as well as whether references are made to existing regional frameworks. In addition, this volume also outlines existing regional frameworks in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Gulf region, the Pacific, Southern Africa and the Commonwealth States. This third edition (the first two editions appeared in 2013 and 2015) of the "Global Inventory of Regional and National Qualifications Frameworks" is published at a time when the attention being paid to qualifications frameworks is rising, as evidenced by the UN's Education 2030 Framework for Action and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which calls on countries to promote inclusive and equitable education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. Outcomes-based qualifications frameworks can contribute directly to achieving this goal. The "Global Inventory of Regional and National Qualifications Frameworks 2017, Volume II" is the result of collaborative work developed by the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training (Cedefop), the European Training Foundation (ETF), UNESCO and the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL). [The thematic chapters, and national and regional cases were drafted by: Jens Bjørnåvold, Slava Pevec Grm, Ernesto Villalba and George Kostakis, Anastasia Pouliou and Andreea Rusu (Cedefop); Michael Graham and Arjen Dej and all members of the qualifications team (ETF); Borhene Chakroun and Katerina Ananiadou (UNESCO); and Madhu Singh (UIL). For Volume I: Thematic Chapters, see ED604734.]

This publication provides a summary of data relating to students, programs, subjects and training providers in Australia's government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system (defined as all Commonwealth and state/territory government-funded training delivered by technical and further education [TAFE] institutes, other government providers [such as universities], community education providers and other registered providers). Data for the "Government-funded students and courses" series are received by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) in four cumulative data submissions: (1) January to March, submitted in May; (2) January to June, submitted in August; (3) January to September, submitted in November; and (4) January to December, submitted in March. The quarterly data submissions are cumulative, which allows additional data to be reported and also revisions to be made to previously submitted data. The data in this publication cover the period of 1 January to 31 March 2017. For comparative purposes, it also examines this data against previously submitted data for the 1 January to 31 March 2015 and 2016 periods. The Australian VET system provides training across a wide range of subject areas and is delivered through a variety of training institutions and enterprises (including to apprentices and trainees). The system provides training for students of all ages and backgrounds. Students have many options for training and may study individual subjects or programs, such as full courses that lead to formal qualifications or skill sets that provide a clearly defined link to a licence or regulatory requirement, or defined industry need. Training takes place in classrooms, in the workplace, online and through other flexible delivery methods. Providers of VET in Australia include TAFE institutes, universities, secondary schools, industry organisations, private enterprises, agricultural colleges, community education providers and other government providers. Student participation can also be wide ranging, with some students receiving training from multiple training organisations within the same year. If a student has enrolled with more than one training provider during a collection period it is possible for a student to be counted more than once, so government-funded student counts (and the participation rate based on these counts) may be inflated. Data are presented by the state or territory that administered the funding of the training activity. [For the report from the previous year, "Government-Funded Students and Courses--January to March 2016. Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics," see ED567788.]

This publication provides a summary of data relating to students, programs, subjects and training providers in Australia's government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system (defined as all Commonwealth and state/territory government-funded training delivered by technical and further education [TAFE] institutes, other government providers [such as universities], community education providers and other registered providers). The Australian VET system provides training across a wide range of subject areas and is delivered through a variety of training institutions and enterprises (including to apprentices and trainees). The system provides training for students of all ages and backgrounds. Students have many options for training and may study individual subjects or programs, such as full courses that lead to formal qualifications or skill sets that provide a clearly defined link to a licence or regulatory requirement, or defined industry need. Training takes place in classrooms, in the workplace, online and through other flexible delivery methods. Providers of VET in Australia include TAFE institutes, universities, secondary schools, industry organisations, private enterprises, agricultural colleges, community education providers and other government providers. Student participation can also be wide ranging, with some students receiving training from multiple training organisations within the same year. If a student has enrolled with more than one training provider during a collection period it is possible for a student to be counted more than once, so government-funded student counts (and the participation rate based on these counts) may be inflated. Data are presented by the state or territory that administered the funding of the training activity.

The "Research messages" annual series presents a summary of the research-focused reports produced by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) each year. In addition to presenting the research reports published by NCVER during 2016, NCVER has expanded this edition to include other relevant and informative resources, including summaries, infographics and statistical papers. A key focus area of this research is the learning needs and educational pathways of students, who are at the heart of the VET system, and supporting individuals and organisations to make informed choices in skills development through the VET system. Based on the research prospectus, NCVER has organized their research program into four priority areas: (1) Productivity; (2) Participation and outcomes; (3) Teaching and learning; and (4) The place and role of VET. The following provides summaries of projects that were published under each of these priorities. They include: (1) Beyond mentoring: social support structures for young Australian carpentry apprentices (John Buchanan, Catherine Raffaele, Nick Glozier and Aran Kanagaratnam); (2) Costs and benefits of education and training for the economy, business and individuals (Tabatha Griffin); (3) Cross-occupational skill transferability: challenges and opportunities in a changing economy (Darryn Snell, Victor Gekara and Krystle Gatt); (4) Defining "STEM" skills: review and synthesis of the literature (Gitta Siekmann & Patrick Korbel); (5) Evaluation framework measuring return on investment (ROI) in TVET (Jane Schueler); (6) Firms' motivation for training apprentices: an Australian-German comparison (Harald Pfeifer); (7) The Australian literacy and numeracy workforce: a literature review. Foundation Skills Literature Review Project (Joanne Medlin); (8) Exploring perspectives on adult language, literacy and numeracy: foundation skills literature review project (Daniella Mayer); (9) Foundation skills policy contexts and measures of impact: foundation skills literature review project (Jane Newton); (10) The salience of diversity in foundation skills contexts, pedagogies and research: foundation skills Literature review project (Lynda Cameron); (11) Measuring STEM in vocational education and training (Patrick Korbel); (12) Providing social support for apprentices: good practice guide (NCVER); (13) What is STEM? The need for unpacking its definitions and applications (Gitta Siekmann); (14) When one door closes: VET's role in helping displaced workers find jobs (Bridget Wibrow and Michelle Circelli); (15) Work-based learning and work-integrated learning: fostering engagement with employers (Georgina Atkinson); (16) Can VET help create a more inclusive society? (Hielke Buddelmeyer and Cain Polidano); (17) The impact of disadvantage on VET completion and employment gaps (Duncan McVicar and Domenico Tabasso); (18) Increasing survey engagement through gamification and the use of mobile devices (Maree Ackehurst and Rose-Anne Polvere); (19) Shedding light: private "for profit" training providers and young early school leavers (George Myconos, Kira Clarke and Kitty Te Riele); (20) Uptake and utility of VET qualifications (Patrick Korbel and Josie Misko); (21) VET program completion rates: an evaluation of the current method (NCVER); (22) Graduate programs for VET students: is there a need? (Bridget Wibrow and Laura Jackson); (23) Apprenticeships and vocations: assessing the impact of research on policy and practice (Jo Hargreaves); (24) The development of Australia's national training system: a dynamic tension between consistency and flexibility (Kaye Bowman and Suzy McKenna); (25) Jurisdictional approaches to student training entitlements: commonalities and differences (Kaye Bowman and Suzy McKenna); (26) Making sense of total VET activity: an initial market analysis (Alison Anlezark and Paul Foley); (27) Student entitlement models in Australia's national training system: expert views (Kaye Bowman and Suzy McKenna); (28) Trends in VET: policy and participation (Georgina Atkinson and John Stanwick); (29) VET provider market structures: history, growth and change (Patrick Korbel and Josie Misko); (30) 24th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference "no frills": refereed papers (Laura Jackson, Ed.); (31) Improving VET teachers' skills and their approach to professional learning 24th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference "no frills": refereed paper (Anne Dening); (32) Learning preferences of Enrolled Nursing students: Educational preparation and training for workplace readiness. 24th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference "no frills": refereed paper (Kalpana Raghunathan, Sonia Allen and Elisabeth Jacob); (33) Profiling the institutional diversity of VET providers in Australia, across four broad dimensions 24th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference "no frills": refereed paper (Peter Bentley, Leo Goedegebuure and Ruth Schubert); (34) Skills needed for innovation: a review. 24th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference "no frills": refereed paper (Michael Walsh); (35) Understanding the needs of VET students articulating to second-year university 24th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference "no frills": refereed Paper (Mark Symmons, Paul Kremer and Alvin Rendell); and (36) Data on total investment in VET: what should be collected (Gerald Burke).

This paper provides an up-to-date picture of trends in the uptake of VET in Schools (VETiS) programs, the profile and participation of students who undertake VETiS programs, and the level and type of qualifications that are undertaken. It also reports on investigations into the education and training experiences of VETiS students five years down the track of their VETiS course. This part of the study uses a new data set which links 2006 data from the National VET in Schools Collection with data from the 2011 Census of Population and Housing. This linking provides a large number of observations about the destinations of VETiS students. In doing so it enables a closer look at the employment and further training destinations and experiences of VETiS students from various demographic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Contains appendices. [For the supporting document, "Vet in Schools Students: Characteristics and Post-School Employment and Training Experiences. Support Document," see ED576667.]

This document was produced by the author based on their research for the report, "VET in Schools Students: Characteristics and Post-School Employment and Training Experiences," and is an added resource for further information. This support document presents the variables used and the findings of the supplementary analysis in the linked data set study. [For the full report, "VET in Schools Students: Characteristics and Post-School Employment and Training Experiences," see ED576664.]

The concept of "STEM" (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) has influenced many education and workforce strategies and policies with the intention of improving innovation, productivity and international competitiveness. Generally, the focus has been on how the school and university sectors can help equip the workforce with the STEM-related skills and knowledge considered necessary for the changing economy (see Siekmann and Korbel 2016). This paper explores ways to measure how the vocational education and training (VET) sector is contributing to the development of STEM-related skills. Better measurement of STEM in VET can help to identify supply and demand for education and training, assess (and improve) outcomes and efficiency, direct funding and resources, and properly inform students' choices. [For the companion paper, "What Is STEM? The Need for Unpacking Its Definitions and Applications," see ED570651.]

This publication provides a summary of 2015 and time-series data relating to students, programs, subjects, training providers and funding in Australia's government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system (broadly defined as all activity delivered by government providers and government-funded activity delivered by community education and other registered providers).

Training packages and accredited courses are the core training products of the nationally accredited vocational education and training (VET) system in Australia. This report considers the use of these training packages and the qualifications contained within them. The report also examines the pattern of enrolments in qualifications to determine how extensively the qualifications in the training package system are being used and whether enrolments are evenly spread among qualifications or concentrated in particular qualifications and training packages. The report explores the number of qualifications that could be rationalized or consolidated, including identifying low and zero enrolment qualifications and models those which cover related occupational areas. Overseas approaches to the removal of qualifications is appended.

"Public-Private Partnerships for Skills Development" discusses the concept of public-private partnership (PPP) and its application in the domain of skills development. Volume I proposes a three-dimension typology of PPPs for skills development, and identifies common elements and governance characteristics of these PPPs. Volume II contains the 23 case studies described and reviewed according to the analytical categories of the European Training Foundation's (ETF) study methodology. Chapter 1 presents 10 cases coming from countries that have a long tradition of public-private cooperation in vocational education and skills development: Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Israel, France, Sweden, Germany, Morocco, Australia, and Belgium. Chapter 2 presents 13 cases coming from four countries that are now in the process of building a tradition of public-private cooperation in vocational education: Jordan, Kazakhstan, Serbia, and Ukraine. [For "Public-Private Partnerships for Skills Development: A Governance Perspective. Volume I. Thematic Overview," see ED610845.]