Integrating Learning and Work: Enhancing VET Capability for Future Workforce Development
This research program, funded by DEST and conducted by a consortium led by OVAL at UTS, explores how Vocational Education and Training (VET) providers can better support learning through work. Over two years, we will conduct consultations and focus groups to identify enablers and constraints to effective Learning and Development (L&D) practices. Our aim is to create organizational strategies that facilitate productive learning at work, transforming traditional training solutions into integrated learning experiences. Findings will be disseminated via various forums and tools designed for workforce development.
Integrating Learning and Work: Enhancing VET Capability for Future Workforce Development
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Presentation Transcript
Integrating learning & work Clive Chappell & Geof Hawke OVAL Research Faculty of Education University of Technology Sydney
ConsortiumResearch Program • “Supporting VET providers in building • capability for the future” • 2-year research program funded by DEST • Consortium partners -CREEW-UniSA • OVAL-UTS, CURVE-CIT
9 Dissemination forums 8 Workforce development 2 Career pathways 7 Leadership 3 Teaching, learning & assessment 6 HR practices 4 Cultures & structures 5 Learning through work ConsortiumResearch Program 1 Consultations; focus groups
ResearchQuestions • How and in what ways can L&D practices of VET providers be organised to better support learning at work? • What are the major enablers and constraints to learning through working and what strategies and models can organisations deploy to encourage productive learning at work?
Background • Organisations - seek competitive advantage • Knowledge and skills of employees • From training solutions to • learning solutions
Training to learning • Problems of transfer • Flattened organisational structures • Financial & time constraints • Commercial pressures • Changing nature of work • Non-standard work • Weakening of employee-employer relationships • Rapid technological change, knowledge work • Changing skills -skill shortages
Integrating learning & work • VET, HRD & L&D practices -traditionally tied to assumptions underpinning learning in formal education (OECD, Hager, Chappell, Cullen, Felsted) • Limits of traditional educational practices(Boud, Chappell, Bernstein) • Traditional separation of learning & work
Integrating learning & work Our Interest in this research is to understand the ways in which workplaces can provide an environment in which learning is a natural and automatic outcome of experiencing work –without direct educational interventions.
The next step • Application of research Provider Learning Environment profile (PLE) • Around 40 item questionnaire - to be used by L&D departments to all employees • Results entered into a 4-quadrant map
Bridging the gap-research survey examples The RTO provides me with ready access to the knowledge/information I need to do my job I regularly meet with colleagues in other organisations I have considerable responsibility and autonomy in my work in the RTO I am given sufficient feedback on my work by RTO managers My work involves me in a wide range of RTO activities The RTO clearly communicates its mission/purpose to staff
Diagnostic Tool Work Soc-inter Work process Managerial
Working paper The Working Paper Investigating Learning & Work Can be downloaded from the OVAL Research website or the consortium website www.oval.uts.edu.au or www.consortiumresearchprogram.net.au