Who's missing out? Access and Equity in VET Project - Australia

Source: The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)

The National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) is Australia's national vocational education and training research and development centre. NCVER  is responsible for several key annual surveys, which measure the performance of the VET system on behalf of the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA).

Project approach:

Literature review, data analysis and 3 case studies

Project purpose:

The first aim of this research is to use a new data source (HILDA data set) to more precisely model and compare the characteristics, diversity and labour market outcomes of those who have been involved in the VET system and those seemingly excluded from VET.

The second aim is to explore through in-depth qualitative case study analysis three localized community group/VET initiatives to identify the potential and actual contribution of innovative community based initiatives aimed at improving VET participation amongst marginalized groups such as 'at risk' youth and long-term unemployed.

Research questions:

1. To what extent do a range of factors including, household structure, income, educational level, labour market status, age, gender, and ethnicity impact on participation and exclusion from the VET system?
2. How are labour market outcomes influenced by participation and exclusion from VET. Within broad target groups, what are the characteristics of sub-groups that are currently excluded from the VET system?
3. What barriers to participating in VET faced were faced by individuals in local community group/VET based initiatives? 4. What role can innovative community and VET based initiatives play in improving participation in VET?

Methodology:

In the quantitative component of this research, logistic regression modeling will be used to analyse key relationships in the HILDA data sources. In the qualitative phase, case studies will be conducted of community group/VET based initiatives.

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