Continuing Education and Training Models and Strategies: An Initial Appraisal. Research Report

Overview & Synopsis

Continuing education and training is an emerging priority for the nation's tertiary education and training system. Changing work, new work requirements, an ageing workforce and lengthening working lives are some of the factors now influencing this priority. Yet, many of the purposes and processes of the Australian tertiary education and training system are focused on entry-level provisions--preparing people for initial employment in their chosen occupation--which may not adequately meet the education and training required to respond to changes in work and the requirement for workers to remain employable. Therefore, identifying and establishing an effective national continuing education and training system that meets the needs of Australian workers, workplaces and communities is crucial. This research aims to establish the purposes, processes and provisions for continuing education and training; this involves identifying how best the tertiary education and training system can sustain Australian workers' employability across lengthening working lives. This document describes the early findings of a three-year research project, whose aim is to identify and evaluate the potential models and strategies that might constitute a national approach to continuing education and training. The project is shaped by the following research question: "What models and practices of continuing tertiary education and training can best meet workplace demands and sustain Australian workers' ongoing occupational competence and employability across their working lives?" Appended are: (1) Worker interview schedule; and (2) Manager/training supervisor interview schedule. (Contains 1 figure and 9 tables.)