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The Victorian Government's Back to Work (BTW) combines social and economic objectives. The Fund has invested in innovative approaches to vocational skills development so that work-ready job seekers are well matched to job opportunities. With particular attention to equity outcomes for disadvantaged job seekers, BTW recognises that the personal benefits of vocational training are best realised by developing skills that make direct contributions to improved productivity in contemporary workplaces.

These case studies demonstrate how Victoria's TAFE institutes and dual sector universities deploy their expertise to respond to students' aspirations, industry skill needs, community expectations and government policy goals. The case studies are: Industry needs driving training program design - Back to Work at Box Hill Institute; Energising networks and valuing the evidence - Back to Work at Holmesglen and Chisholm Institute; Paddock to Plate - Paddock to Plate Back to Work at Federation Training; Familiarising participants with IT work and workplaces - Back to Work at Victoria Polytechnic; There is no single pathway to work - Back to Work at Wodonga TAFE.

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TAFE providers have extensive expertise, developed over many decades, in developing and delivering training programs that match the skill and knowledge needs of business, health and community services agencies and a myriad of other organisations. Applied research opens a new dimension in which TAFE providers can extend the impact of their industry contacts, energy, discipline knowledge and training know-how.

Applied research harnesses the skills and knowledge of TAFE teachers to devise solutions in collaboration with an industry client. The benefit for TAFE students is becoming active participants in resolving a live problem in their industry of study. This scenario means they can apply what they already know and can do, develop new skills, make a difference. It's a scenario that fosters engagement, boosts learning outcomes and lifts career opportunities.

The case studies are: Innovation and research connections - Winemaking at Melbourne Polytechnic; TAFE as an innovation diffuser in a sector dominated by SMEs - GOTAFE Boatbuilding; Deepening expertise in e-learning practice - BlendED, the Gordon TAFE experience; From idea to proof concept - Holmeglen Institute's integrated applied research capability; A pivotal role in industry support, research and innovation - Kangan Institutes's Textile and Fashion Hub; and Could applied research improve the life chances of young disengaged learners? - Chisholm Institute's Berwick Technical Education Centre.

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