Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert has today launched a new research centre at The University of Melbourne focused on student pathways in upper secondary education and beyond.
The new Centre for Vocational and Educational Policy (CVEP) will research pathways within secondary education and then from secondary education into higher education, vocational education and training (VET), work-based training and the labour market.
It will be one of only a few research hubs of its type in the world with a focus on education transitions. The centre will have a particular focus on learning outcomes for disengaged young people, as well as the quality of VET.
Mr Herbert said the centre would provide invaluable insights in an area of key importance to the Andrews Labor Government.
The Labor Government is focused on cementing Victoria’s standing as the Education State through a range of initiatives including:
- The $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund which is investing in new facilities and supporting TAFEs to better meet their obligations to the community;
- The independent VET Funding Review, which is developing a more sustainable and stable funding model to better meet the skills needs of Victorians for the long-term;
- A focus on quality in the VET system, including a $9 million blitz on low quality training providers and $30 million over three years to increase contract compliance, investigate student complaints and provide better information and support for students;
- A new $20 million Reconnect program which will help address the drop in early school leavers taking up training; and
- $8.6 million is going towards a Navigator pilot program that will provide learning pathways for secondary school students at risk of disengaging from education.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Training and Skills Steve Herbert
“I am excited to launch this new research centre which should provide valuable new insights about school and transitions to higher education, training and employment.”
“Strong research to underpin Government programs and decision making is vital in our promise to address youth unemployment and disengagement.”
Quotes attributable to Centre for Vocational and Educational Policy Director Professor John Polesel
“The centre brings together leading researchers to address the many social and economic costs of young people being disengaged from education or employment.”
“We appreciate the Victorian Government’s support and look forward to working with them to tackle the issue of poor transitions, particularly for the most disadvantaged young people.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020