Industry Training Strategies in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

Since the 1980s much emphasis has been placed on the need for a dramatic re-orientation towards workplace education and training in both New Zealand and Australia to up-skill employees so they can participate in the global knowledge society and contribute to the development and growth of national economies. There are similarities in the way government and industries in both countries have responded to these concerns. There has been a shift away from traditional apprenticeships to industry based vocational education and training. This has produced rapid growth in the numbers of participants. However there are significant differences in the structure and philosophy of training provision in each country. This raises questions about the comparative efficacy of the processes, and relevance of outcomes to intended goals. Comparing the two 'systems ' helps us step back from the fog of policy and quantitative achievement measures to see more clearly issues of concern and perhaps how they may be addressed.