Kift, Sally (2024) The tertiary transformation imperative: issues and opportunities. International Journal of Training Research, 22 (1). pp. 5-15.

PDF (Published Version) - Published Version Restricted to Repository staff only

 

3

Abstract

In some countries such as the UK and Australia, there is a sharp divide between ‘higher education’ and vocational or further education which have markedly different accreditation, quality assurance, funding, and relations with government, which is institutionalised and entrenched by being organised into different sectors.

Wheelahan and Moodie (Citation2020, p. 103)

As Wheelahan and Moodie (Citation2020, p. 103) called out in their prologue to the last special issue of this journal, the ‘sharp divide’ between the higher education (HE) and vocational education and training (VET) sectors remains entrenched in some countries, including Australia, militating against future of learning and work demands for a connected, cohesive and harmonised postsecondary system. This needs to change. It is patently not an inclusive, learner-centric approach to education and training. It does not speak to the new and future skills needs of learner-earners and employers, and results in ad hoc training ‘work arounds’. It does not serve national aspirations for fairness, social cohesion and prosperity in the face of seismic economic, social, environmental and technological change. And it hinders progress towards the universal policy imperative that lifelong learning must become a practical reality for all citizens.

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page