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• Investigating learning through work: Development of the provider learning environment scale
  • This research looks at the key features needed to foster effective learning in the workplace. Based on this, it develops and trials the provider learning environment scale, which larger providers can use to assess their organisation's learning environment.
• Research paper no 2: The role of employers in encouraging e-learning and flexible training delivery
  • The 2007 E-learning Benchmarking Survey asked employers about the extent to which they would encourage the uptake and delivery of e-learning. The majority of employers said that they would encourage employees to use e-learning if it was available (86%), and influence their training provider to promote more flexible training (73%). The reasons given for encouraging greater use of e-learning were mainly based on benefits to employees including convenience, flexibility, increased access to training, more training options, and control over the pace of learning.
• Effective models of employment-based training
  • Employment based training (EBT) models are responding to skills shortages and the need for qualifications higher than Certificate III. This paper outlines five 'enhanced' employment models falling into two categories: entry level training and a more specialised level of education. The five models are: traditional entry-level training; accelerated entry-level training; internship entry-level preparation model; extension model of entry-level preparation; and extension model for further development. The fourth and fifth models assume a high level of experience and knowledge.
• Avenues other: A limited enquiry into workplace delivery and assessment
  • The purpose of this paper is to investigate workplace delivery techniques appropriate or adaptable to apprenticeship training in regional construction businesses. The authors suggest an alternative solution which combines elements of existing practices, and adopts a 'partial' workplace model with improved online workplace activity material. A 'whole of practice' model is recommended meaning that skill development and evaluation are integrally linked, and not divided between the employer and the Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
• Emerging models of employment based training: Untangling the drivers and identifying key features of effective models
  • This paper discusses a recent review of literature on employment based training (EBT) in Australia to discover what models may best suit emerging needs. The traditional ones include apprenticeships, traineeships, work experience placements and learning programs for students in educational institutions. All of them involve a component of experiential learning. One finding is that there is demand for competency based apprenticeships with flexible entry and exit points, pathways and opportunities for learning at higher qualification levels, and customised training to meet business needs.
• Improving workplace learning: Learning cultures the key
  • This "thinkpiece" examines some of the barriers to effective workplace learning. They include: maintaining a profitable bottom line; lack of evidence that learning provision increases profitability; and workers and managers differing in their acceptance of and commitment to workplace learning. The primary and most effective way to learn is through everyday work practices by improving the workplace learning culture. There is a description of what is described as a 'synergistic learning culture.'
• Workplace delivery and tailored learning in the manufacturing sector
  • This case study or exemplar occurs in the food processing industries and consists of reflections by Ken Fraser, Manager, Food Processing TAFE NSW - Western Sydney Institute. His teaching practice has changed so that he pays more attention to skills that students bring to a course/subject, and employs targeted training to cover gaps. He places more emphasis on workplace evidence of skills and knowledge, and negotiates with company supervisors and managers to ensure students have opportunities to participate in relevant work-based projects.
• Understanding workforce development
  • This article explains "a new framework for orientating vocational education and training (VET)." It explores the idea of progressing beyond workplace learning to workforce development, including issues such as globalisation, technology, the new economy, political change, and demographic shifts. There is a split in the debate between those people who support a market model and those who advocate a 'social consensus' or 'social partnership' model. However, to be effective in Australia, there needs to be a higher level of cooperation between the various providers of training, industry, government and enterprises.