Article 2008

1958-2008: How access to VET qualifications has changed in Australia

Education and Training
Journal · Vol. 50 · Issue 1 · pp. 43-46
Abstract

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide a reflection on the growth in qualifications available through work, over the 50 years of Education + Training. Design/methodology/approach - The approach adopted is that of providing a viewpoint, reflecting back on the availability of qualifications today compared with the 1950s. Findings - The growth in the availability of qualifications has meant that a greater proportion of the workforce now hold qualifications, and particularly that people outside traditional trades can gain work-related qualifications. The changes have advantaged those in service industries and jobs previously not regarded as skilled. They have especially assisted women and have paralleled the increased participation of women in the workforce. However the current favourable situation has some fragility. Originality/value - This paper is one of a series commissioned by the journal on its 50th anniversary. Its originality stems from the discussion of the significance of the growth of qualifications, particularly for women. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Skills Apprenticeships Qualifications women

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
Funding & Acknowledgements
No funding information
References 10 References
1 Trade and Technician Education, (1976)
2 Report of the Committee of Inquiry into Labour Market Programs, (1985)
3 Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics Students and Courses 2003, (2025)
4 Australian Vocational Education and Training Statistics Apprentices and Trainees March Quarter Summary, (2006)
5 Report on Technical Education 1958, (1958)
6 Demanding Skill Women and Technical Education in Australia, (1988)
7 Apprenticeship in Australia an Historical Snapshot, (2001)
8 Australian Apprenticeships Facts Fiction and Future, (2001)
9 Smith, Erica, A woman’s work is never certificated? how the implementation of nationally recognised training in workplaces helps women get qualifications, Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 58, 4, pp. 531-549, (2006)
10 Steinberg, Ronnie J., Social Construction of Skill: Gender, power, and comparable worth, Work and Occupations, 17, 4, pp. 449-482, (1990)
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