Learning and assessment in the workplace: models of practice

This paper looks at a range of policy instruments that have been introduced into Australian vocational education and training (VET) in recent years with the aim of strengthening the place of assessment and formal learning in workplaces. The key policy shifts are: (1) the introduction of training packages; (2) the creation of registered training organisations (RTOs); and (3) development of enterprise in-house programs aimed at training and skill formation. Issues of workplace assessment and the formal system, such as consistency, flexibility and relevance, underpinning knowledge and quality of trainers are also discussed. Findings from case studies carried out in five organisations are given. The paper argues that there is not a single understanding of what the work based training and assessment approach means nor one single method for establishing and implementing such a system but there is a set of common features which work together to support the approach and which include: (1) a set of performance or competency standards to which the work based skill acquisition and assessment program are linked; (2) the availability of suitable personnel to implement and support such a program; and (3) linkage with an organisational reward program.

The three volumes of conference proceedings are indexed from TD/TNC 72.49 to TD/TNC 72.51; selected papers are indexed from TD/TNC 72.08 to TD/TNC 72.11 and TD/TNC 72.52 to TD/TNC 72.100. Show less