Funded Research Project

Project Title: Vocational Education and Training in Schools: Cultural Resistance and the Academic Tradition

Chief Investigator: Associate Professor John Polesel

Funded by: ARC Discovery Project grant 2007–2008

Project Summary: This study seeks to relate how well different models of VET in Schools delivery (in different settings) work towards achieving the objectives of improved participation, more effective transitions and engagement of reluctant learners. It also seeks to assess how effectively the different ways of delivering VET are meeting governments' objectives to build Australia's skills base and provide young people with effective pathways. This study will provide education and training systems with valuable data on the effectiveness of this major policy innovation for different student groups. It will do so by analysing three major school leaver data bases, followed up by qualitative studies in 12 schools in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.