Media releases

Federation University researchers have contributed to the improvement of the perceived lower status of Vocational Education and Training (VET) through their input to the recent House of Representatives’ Inquiry into the Perceptions and Status of VET. 

The suggestions of Emeritus Professor Erica Smith and Adjunct Professor Robin Shreeve, members of Federation University’s research group ‘Researching Adult and Vocational Education’ (RAVE) were discussed in several sections of the final report.  

Their contributions to the report included ideas for promulgating a more accurate profile of VET in the media, to emphasise the diversity of areas beyond ‘blue collar’ trades, and highlighting VET’s social and economic contribution to the community; as well as multiple suggestions to improve the way in which VET is delivered, including streamlining VET qualifications and simplifying curriculum, improving the facilities offered by VET campuses. 

“We have to recognise that the status of educational institutions reflects in many respects the status of the occupations they prepare people for. Careers in legal and medical professions, for example, are seen by many to be higher status than jobs in the trades, hospitality and care industries,” Prof. Shreeve said.  

Recent RAVE research ‘Careers in Everyday Industries’ have looked at this issue, specifically for retail and hospitality industries. 

Professor Smith said “The institution of this parliamentary inquiry is to be applauded, as the low status of VET is a perennial issue. In recent RAVE research, ‘Young Futures’, we found that young people in rural and peri-urban locations in Victoria rarely received advice about VET options and were directed towards university study” she added. “This needs to change.” 

The RAVE research group, led by Federation University’s Professor Annette Foley, has a longstanding profile in the national and international VET and Adult Education research, making multiple contributions to government policy at national and state level.  

“As a dual-sector institution, Federation University incorporates both TAFE and university, making it especially well-placed to advise on the important role VET plays in the tertiary education space,” Prof. Foley said. 

Prof. Smith said that Federation University’s successful VET teacher-training program is also contributing to the improvement of VET delivery and the reputation of VET in the community. 

 "The program is undertaken by hundreds of VET teachers and trainers across Victoria wishing to upskill. Teaching on these programs keeps the VET academic staff up to date with sector developments, further contributing to the effectiveness of our research,” Prof. Smith said. 
 
The full report, ‘Shared Vision, Equal Pathways’,  by the Employment, Education and Training Committee , is available on the Parliament of Australia website. 

More information about past and current RAVE research can be found on the RAVE website.