A Further Local Participation Study: TAFE and ACE in Melbourne Postcodes. Working Paper.

A study analyzed patterns of participation at the local level in adult and community education (ACE) and technical and further education (TAFE) in Melbourne, Australia postcodes. Patterns of participation were hypothesized as being different from those in Sydney, New South Wales, where previous research established the marked differentiation of TAFE and ACE clienteles by postcode of residence. Results of the Melbourne postcode analysis confirmed the broad trend noted in the Sydney studies for TAFE and ACE participation to be differentiated by the socioeconomic status of the postcode. However, the Melbourne participation maps showed a good deal of variability in this broad relationship that needs to be explained. There were also considerable local variations in participation across adjacent postcodes. The general trend was for relatively high rates of participation in TAFE and ACE in most areas; yet they were differentiated to a degree by socioeconomic influences. This complexity was consistent with the marked diversification of VET in Melbourne and a corresponding differentiation of clienteles and services in TAFE and ACE. (Contains 15 references, 3 figures, and 3 tables.) (YLB)