Pixel International Conferences

System drivers in vocational education have become disconnected to the future of work and the workplace in NZ. There is a lack of confluence between the world of work and the world of learning, resulting in a call from the Vocational Education Working Group [1] for an outcomes-focussed framework. Set4Life produced and piloted an authentic connection between the workplace and those who will inhabit it. In this complex journey between education and work there are many rocks, uncharted waters and false safe harbours: culs-de-sac in careers and education. It is in these waters that the unprepared or unsupported founder. A lack of clear navigation is not limited to low socioeconomic groups or those not in employment, education or training (NEETS). Nearly a third of people enrolling in trades training in NZ have a degree and student debt [2]. The disconnect from the world of learning and what Emeritus Professor Geoff Scott refers to as “work ready plus” entrants are aggravating factors. Set4Life used a “navigator” approach to bridge that divide. A demand-driven learner facing economy requires work prepared entrants. The vocational education and training working group called for a system driven by outcomes rather than inputs. Without alignment of these worlds to outcomes are we giving our students a safe landing, but at the wrong airport?. The picture is complicated by funding in this congested space which may produce a lack of clarity of direction and purpose. Students, educators and employers benefit from neutral and informed guidance and effective navigation through this ever-changing space. Set4Life provided system integration with a weather eye to the future of the demand economy. Conscious development of the workplace and employer, the learning environment and the learner, produced a seamless coalition bridging this transition. 

Keywords: Transitions, VET, Vocational Education, Training Induction, Navigator Outcomes, Change, Set4Life.

References:

 [1] Industry Training Federation of New Zealand 2014, A new direction for NZ’s VET: A Manifesto for change, Industry Training Federation, [Wellington], viewed 15 Jan 2018, <http://www.itf.org.nz/files/7714/4660/7612/New_directions_for_VET.pdf>;.
[2] Williams/Industry Training Federation, J. (2017, November 27). Industry warns against rush to university.
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[9] Scott, G. (2015, November). Developing and assessing graduates who are work ready plus. Paper presented at Higher education compliance and quality network, Melbourne.
http://www.hes.edu.au/assets/HECQN-2015/Geoff-Scott-HECQN-Address-GS-4-Nov-15-v2.pdf
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