Steve Davis, Simon Walker, Joanne Payne, Tabatha Griffin, Tom Karmel, Jenny Dodd, Hinemoa Priest, Melanie Kyle, Erica Smith, Olivija Komadina, David Longley, Christina Scott-Young, Michael Bassham, Joy de Leo, Michael Healy, Michelle Circelli, Angela Damm, Charmaine Marshall, Jeff Lynch, Tina Berghella, 29 November 2023 (85 mins) In 2023, 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 2023’ is a roundup of the most interesting snippets and research findings from across the four podcast episodes ..read more

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 l ..read more

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 ..read more

In this episode, we explore how the traditional difference between higher education and VET might not be as practical as once thought. Tom Karmel argues that higher education is more than just theoretical knowledge—it's inherently vocational, preparing students for their chosen professions. On the other hand, he sees the VET sector not fully embracing practical, applied learning, and often offering generic skills not directly linked to specific jobs. Tom proposes the idea of a "professional university" that offers qualifications from certificates to degrees, focusing on practical education and ..read more

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 Di ..read more

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 ..read more

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 Direct ..read more

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 p ..read more

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 b ..read more

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 Territo ..read more