The ISS Institute VET International Practitioner Fellowship is open for applications. In partnership with Higher Education and Skills, Department of Education and Training, Victoria, we are offering 5 Fellowships of $13,000 to conduct international applied research. Click here for more info: https://www.issinstitute.org.au/fellowship-applications/
VPRN NEWS
What is the problem?
Often RPL candidates experience difficulties throughout the RPL process.
Studies show candidates experience the process as highly confusing and improved support is needed. In fact, in Australia, many potential RPL candidates are dissuaded from enrolling in the first instance, being advised, 'Just do the course, it's easier and quicker', or many simply quit the effort with feelings of frustration and disempowerment.
My research seeks to identify the difficulties experienced and understand ways in which candidates are successfully empowered throughout.
I am conducting research into the lived experience of RPL candidates as part of my Masters study at CDU. I seek willing volunteers who are currently enrolled in RPL (VET). For research validity it is important volunteer selection is independent of the training institution. The attached 'Participant Information Sheet' has passed ethics review and informs the volunteer of expected commitment, their rights and includes a consent page.Attached is more information about the research and about the commitment required of you. I am available via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mobile (0421993094) to chat if you are interested to learn more.
I am happy to walk you through the attached document.
THE RPL CANDIDATE – A NEGLECTED STAKEHOLDER
PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
Australia. Download the participant information sheet.
VPRN MILESTONE REACHED
The VET Practitioner Research Network (VPRN) is delighted to announce that we have reached an auspicious milestone in the growth of the Network: we now have over 100 registered users! Thanks to you all who have joined VPRN to share, contemplate and support VET practitioner research.
Andrew Williamson
Executive Director
Victorian TAFE Association
PLEASE UPDATE YOUR PROFILE
Next time you log into the VPRN please update your profile to include a recent photograph. Imagery makes the VPRN a more user friendly place. Reminder links will appear at the top of every community page. Thanks in advance for helping to improve the VPRN community experience.
NEW FORUM TOPICS CREATED
The user forum area is an under-utilised area of the VPRN, with your help we can make it a center for discourse about VET research. The forum is also a great place to ask for and get help regarding any of the technical aspects of using the VPRN.
VPRN SUPPORT FORUM - Ask for and get help with the VPRN
ASK AN EXPERT - Ask expert VET researchers
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES - Start discussions with like-minded individuals and network with them.
Your comments and thoughts are invited.
A paper recently published on the VPRN requires your perspectives.
Commenting is easy
Head on over to What's in a name - VET teachers acting upon the meaning of the 'E' in VET: An Australian informed, teacher valuing of research, approach to strengthening the 'E' and download the paper.
When you are ready to comment revisit the post and leave a comment in the comments area at the base of the page.
Your feedback will be highly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
VPRN
By Lewis Hughes, Director Enviro-sys and Honorary Fellow Deakin University
This paper has arisen out of broader research-in-progress by Lewis Hughes into Australian VET teachers engaging in research as part of their professional practice. This broader research has also been informed by the earlier research by Lewis and Libby Hughes into the manner in which VET when well taught adds to social capital as referenced with URL links in the paper.
Accordingly, the VPRN invites member discussion regarding the questions – ‘Is there gain in researching entwining attention to the ‘E’ in VET with the ‘T’ in VET? AND, if so, is this something that you might do in your local VET practice environment? Please note that as the VET teacher and research exploration is on-going by Lewis your thoughts have much informing value but, where drawn upon, will be in such a way as to preserve your anonymity.
The latest International Specialised Skills Institute Fellowship reports related to VET, sponsored by the Higher Education and Skills Group, Department of Education and Training (Victorian Government).
Louise Robinson
pdf 21st century employment: Skill Education and Training (1.47 MB)
Cathy Clark
Elizabeth Keenan
Nancy Everingham
pdf Refocusing as an independent learner: Interior Design and Decoration (4.14 MB)
Erin O'Connor Price
Peter Hurley
This is the official video of the European Vocational Skills Week. It has been subtitled to 24 European languages.
An inspiring and encouraging video by the Deputy Minister of the Basque Government explaining the importance to support Professional and Technical Education.
New Reports
Two new reports are available in the publications area of the VPRN.
Artisan Gelato Training, Carpigiani Gelato University Bologna Italy - MAY 2016 (PDF 967 KB)
Angela Tsimiklis
An ISS Institute Fellowship sponsored by
Sponsored By Higher Education and Skills Group, Department of Education and Training, Victorian Government
Journeyman Carpenters in Australia - Lessons from the USA & Canada - AUGUST 2016 (PDF 1.01 MB)
Robert Brodie
2014 Higher Education and Skills Group Overseas Fellowship Report
An ISS Institute Fellowship sponsored by
The Higher Education and Skills Group, Department of Education and Training, Victorian Government
Visit the publications area to view these reports
VTA State Conference 2017
The past quarter century has been one of the longest continuous economic expansions in Victoria’s history. A key factor underpinning this has been our highly skilled and productive workforce.
In a period that has seen rapid change in the education sector, TAFE’s role as a leader and fundamental contributor to the economic and social prosperity enjoyed by all Victorians continues unabated. TAFE’s physical presence is unparalleled, with more than 100 campuses across the state. Offering the most comprehensive range of courses for industry, community and individuals, the TAFE network continues to play the central role in providing the education and training that is the foundation of our prosperity.
But rapid change brings both opportunities and threats. While there is much to celebrate, there is a need for continued vigilance to ensure that the Victorian TAFE network is robust and effective, pro-active and responsive to continue to contribute to Victoria’s prosperity.
The 2017 VTA State Conference program will consider these and other related issues, challenging assumptions, celebrating the past, and looking to the future. With a cavalcade of exciting international and national speakers, the 2017 VTA conference promises to be thought provoking and one not to be missed.
BEING SCHOLARLY SURVEY
On behalf of the VPRN Executive Committee I would like to extend a thank you to the VPRN members that have responded to our survey and ask those that have not yet done so to take a few minutes and complete the survey.
The information that we gather via your responses will assist us to ensure that the VPRN delivers what you are seeking.
Thank you
Lewis Hughes
DET ISS INSTITUTE FELLOWSHIPS
The Department of Education and Training (DET) and the International Specialised Skills Institute (ISS Institute) are offering 10 international fellowships for the amount of $13000 each.
- Do you work as a VET practitioner in a Learn Local Organisation, TAFE or RTO?
- Do you have an innovative idea that could improve the quality of teaching and learning in your sector?
- Have you identified a gap in current policy, process and practice?
- Are you passionate about driving change in your sector?
Ten fellowships are available to vocational training practitioners who are employed with the Victorian Government contracted Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) including TAFE and private RTOs or Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board Registered Local Learning Organisations (LLOs).
Applications for 2017 Fellowships are now open and must be received by 4pm June 23rd
For details and an application form visit issinstitute.org.au
PASSIONATE PEOPLE and GREAT IDEAS equals A HIGHLY SKILLED VET SECTOR
ISS INSTITUTE PUBLICATIONS
Two new publications by ISS Institute are now available on this site.
Emma Watson
Considerations for applying blended learning programs within TAFE
Lindee Conway
A Study of New Zealand's Co-ordinated Response to Foundation Skills Assessment Teaching and Learning for Adults
VPRN ON TWITTER
The VPRN is now on twitter.