Research Projects

TDA has commissioned a number of research papers reflecting key issues in vocational education and training.

 

 
Reinventing Service Delivery: Case Studies of TAFE Institutes meeting industry needs and governent goals 
The paper performs three major functions. First, it links the findings from the five case studies to a body
of work by the author over the last six years. 
 
Second, the paper analyses this flexibility in terms of contemporary business research about how progressive service organisations are innovative, value-creating and client-focused. The discussion shows that TAFE Institutes have a capacity to redefine their service delivery to meet changing and challenging needs of industry and government. 
 
Third, the paper links these qualitative case studies about the advanced capacity of TAFE Institutes to a three-year nationwide collection of quantitative data about TAFE staff capability.
 
The paper is available here
Graduate International Student Barometer

In 2009, TDA with financial support from DEEWR commissioned the i-Graduate team from the UK to conduct a survey of TAFE international students on their experiences and motivations in choosing to study with TAFE institutes in Australia.

The survey was completed in early 2010 and detailed analyses of the results are being used by participating TAFE institutes to further enhance the experiences of international students.

On 5 September 2011, TDA launched the Australian TAFE Guide to Recruiting and Supporting International Students, a guide which draws on the results of the survey to identify the implications for TAFE and suggest strategies to improve the international student experience in Australia. The Guide can be downloaded here.

In 2012, TDA commissioned a study of the experience of international students in TAFE insitutes and colleges. This study was the second survey profiling international students' experiences of studying in Australia. The study executive summary is available here. 
NCVER Building Researcher Capacity in the VET Sector

TDA is a member of the Advisory Group which selects applicants, provides assistance to the project team and evaluates the effectiveness of the program.

 

Now in its third round of funding, this program encourages VET practitioners new to the field of research to identify specific areas of interest and then with mentor support and a Community of Practice, conduct the research and publish through NCVER.

 

Further information on the program can be found here