Dr John Spierings Senior Adviser on Skills amp Higher Education DPMO amp PMO 200813 Some Global Trends Everything is mobile everything is tradeablenothing in the air i s solid Increasing marketization of education across all sectors higher education schools early childhood a ID: 397744
Download Presentation The PPT/PDF document "Ensuring Vocational is Not Second Best" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
Slide1
Ensuring Vocational is Not Second Best
Dr John Spierings
Senior Adviser on Skills & Higher Education, DPMO & PMO 2008-13Slide2
Some Global Trends
Everything is mobile, everything is tradeable…nothing in the air
i
s solidIncreasing marketization of education across all sectors – higher education , schools, early childhood as well as VET – privileges private goods over public benefitsGreater choice in education confers greater risks for individuals, without necessarily greater rewardsVET is at the pointy intersection of public, student & industry interests - it is the education sector most entwined with changes in labour marketsLabour markets are increasingly precarious in terms of hours, pay, duration & pathways. Entry level work opportunities in manufacturing, public service, finance sectors have evaporated across OECD Future mobility framed around achieving a senior school qualification, higher ed or VET equivalent
2Slide3
Australian Strengths
National qualifications framework – provides certainty & clarity for students, industry & training providers. Point of difference with universities & schools
VET qualifications are integrated into the broader tertiary education landscape
Training packages establish the ‘units of competency’ in VET qualificationsJoint employer & union management of packages via Industry Skill CouncilsInnovations such as group training schemes cover small employers & disadvantaged studentsApprenticeship participation withstood the Global Financial Crisis500 Trade Skills Centres in Schools – potential base to strengthen voced options for students3Slide4
Snapshot of Australian Apprenticeship System
Trend
: Removal of
govt incentives - non-trade commencements fell by 90K to 146K, 2012 to 2013 (37.5%) Trade commencements rose by 2.3% over same periodBalance: 40% of commencements are in tradesPay: 55% of Adult Award in 1st year (previously 35%); 80% for those aged 21+Returns: Labour market returns for apprentices are strong – above average earners & lower unemploymentQuality: 80% of employers & 87% of students express satisfaction with training
quality
4Slide5
Australian weaknesses
Australian apprentices are employees as well as students –
training experience is strongly related
to the quality of the enterprise Business still views training as a cost rather than an investment – poor data on business training expenditureLow industry participation - only 100,000 businesses employ apprentices & trainees. Leads to ‘free riding’, skills shortages, diminished opportunitiesLow completion rates – 50% attrition in trades; 60% in other qualifications. Long tail in literacy & numeracy capabilities (1:8 & 1:5 in lowest literacy & numeracy bands)No ‘master’ or ‘elevated’ trade qualificationsPoor career guidance services for students5Slide6
What needs to be done
Public support for high quality institutions of learning dedicated to vocational skills
Extend sector-based training levies to share the costs & reward successful employers. Enhance group training schemes
Embrace problem solving, design skills & collaboration as core VET competenciesLift entry-level standards & qualifications of VET teachersConduct external validation of qualifications & providersAttract powerful new friends to champion VET6