Heffernan, S. P (1997) Can vocational training be better structured to facilitate the acquisition of job related skills? Research Master thesis, Victoria University of Technology.

Abstract

As Australia attempts to improve its global economic standing, each industry, and their respective enterprises, is necessarily undertaking considerable transformation as they embrace the need to adapt. Industrialised technologies and operating methods are changing more rapidly than at any other time since the inception of mass production. The imperative for a more efficient approach to manufacturing and the production of goods is paramount for organisations to enable them to obtain and to sustain a competitive position within a rapidly changing world economy. The linkages between competitive manufacturing and vocational education are widely recognised as important factors that contribute to sustainable business practices. This research explores the educative processes that are being used to bring new-start employees' skills and knowledge levels up to the required standard for a globally competitive manufacturing company. It also looks at vocational education, and examines the provision of service by the formal providers who are now altering their relationship and service arrangements at the enterprise level. The research comprised an extensive literature review, the application of a survey questionnaire (see Appendices A, B and C) and an analysis of the data which collectively comprised the body of a comparative opinion based study that was undertaken in a manufacturing environment. The research question was designed to explore the issues relating to the imparting of knowledge and skills to new start employees. An examination of the key providers' ability to deliver training, the relevance and applicability of the study materials used are also addressed. The study looks at the learning process in the context of the new employee and how they acquire skills and competencies for their new job; with a view to examining whether vocational education can be better structured to facilitate the acquisition of essential job skills.

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