Award Restructuring and the Implications for TAFE PDF Download

Author: Graham Chataway
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Arbitration and award
Languages : en
Pages : 54

Get Book

Book Description
A study investigated the human and physical resources implications of award restructuring in the textiles and metals industries for the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) system in Australia. (Award restructuring is based on union/employer cooperation in a process of negotiation and compromise between employers committed to increased productivity and efficiency and a work force seeking improved skills, responsibility, and working conditions.) Information was obtained through case studies of the two industries and of several companies in each industry. Qualitative research methods such as site visits, interviews, work observation, and document analysis were used to gather data for the case studies. Some of the key implications that were identified were the following: (1) TAFE colleges need to adapt more quickly and realistically by providing both site-specific and off-the-job training in subject areas identified by companies as being their most pressing needs; (2) TAFE training needs to reflect the impacts of award restructuring upon a company's operating processes; (3) TAFE needs to recognize the internal labor markets being created by award restructuring within companies; (4) greater emphasis needs to be placed on the implications for TAFE of skills, competencies, assessment procedures, and accreditation; (5) TAFE educational institutions should not give priorities to the production of commercially useful knowledge while neglecting the lifelong learning process; and (6) a redirected curriculum focus is needed, integrating vocational education and training systems. (18 references, 16-item annotated bibliography) (KC)