A very good article which shows much insight into what seems to be a very poorly utilised resource. It is particularly relevant when one looks at the outcry locally because the Baillieu government want to reduce funding for the TAFE colleges.

David

"The problem at present is that training providers such as TAFE define the demand for skills training in terms of the training individuals want to do. But most individuals lack good information about what skills employers want. So they choose instead training that appeals to them."

A good article. This has become more of a problem of late with 'contestability' but it has always been with us. One of the major problems over the last 10 years has been the relative insignificance of career guidance when in fact this element is crucial. It is the first step on both the road to a career, changing career, study or returning to study.

The concept of self-directed learning, born from adult education, forgets that students don't know what they don't know. Therefore, they make it up as they go along. This is not always bad - it's what I did - but there are others who want or need guidance in subject selection as well as they skills sets needed upon completion.

I agree with David's comment. TAFE has turned in to a fiasco in Victoria.

*One of the major problems over the last 10 years has been the relative insignificance of career guidance when in fact this element is crucial.*

Sheesh, it must be snowing out there, for once I agree with Cheryl!

Career guidance is incredibly important. Few young people would even
know what careers are actually available and are often pushed by
parents to take the first apprenticeship available. Half then drop out later. In countries like Germany and Switzerland, alot more
time and effort is invested in finding out what people enjoy, have
an aptitude for and match that with industry needs. Going to work
for 40 years in the wrong career, is no fun and no wonder people
chop and change, at great expense to themselves and society.

The idea of payment by results, with educational institutions receiving payments proportional to the higher salary the graduate obtains after graduation is an interesting one. This sounds cumbersome to implement, but the tax office will have the past and future salary details of the students who take out loans, and so would be able to calculate a bonus for institutions where the student gets a salary increase. This could be applied to university courses and higher degrees by research, as well as vocational ones. Of course the students may not like this if the bonus comes out of their increased pay, as it should do. ;-)