The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) works in partnership with the International Specialised Skills (opens in a new window)(ISS) Institute to fund the International VET practitioner fellowships program.
The program provides eligible vocational education and training (VET) applicants, with the opportunity to undertake applied research in an international context. It enables VET practitioners to generate actionable knowledge and develop innovative practices that are applicable in their chosen professional field.
The program has been in operation since 1999 and supports the priorities of the Victorian Government’s Skills First(opens in a new window) program. These include:
- building workers’ capacity and capability
- listening to and addressing industry needs in training
- developing innovative training practices
- supporting participation and diversity in the VET sector.
Applications
Fellowship research and reports
At the conclusion of their applied research activity, fellows produce a research report and undertake a range of dissemination activities within their own networks and across the sector. These research reports cover a diverse range of topics and utilise a range of applied research methodologies.
Below is a selection of the most recent reports, or visit the ISS Institute to view all reports(opens in a new window) and meet the current cohort of VSA fellows(opens in a new window).
Connecting new educators: a strategy for empowerment
Kay Schlesinger’s fellowship investigated improved and innovative ways to support new educators as they enter Vocational and Higher Education.
Applied research applications for agriculture and renewable energy technologies
John Flett's report focused on how Canadian polytechnics have used applied research to develop training with deep and meaningful connections with industry, and to meet emerging workforce needs
Addressing barriers for skilled migrants to become vocational educators
Rohit Gupta's research shed light on the barriers and facilitators that skilled migrants may face to pursue a career as vocational educators.
Inclusion as a facet of VET quality: A study of universal design for learning in EU VET contexts
Dr Elizabeth Knight gathered insights to help VET trainers become more confident, inclusive and deliver a positive experience for students with disability.
Building vocational identity in VET learners
Warren Guest's research examined the Swiss and German VET systems to identify the values and purposes that shape their apprenticeship systems and provides suggestions for reforming Australian VET curriculum.
Engage, Activate, Reflect, Integrate: Catalysts for behavioural change in learning
Michele Tocci's fellowship explored international trends to ensure training drives meaningful behavioural change.
For more information
If you have any questions about the fellowship program, contact the ISS Institute(opens in a new window) on 03 9347 4583 or email info@issinstitute.org.au(opens in a new window).
Disclaimer: The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) provides financial support to the International Specialised Skills (ISS) Institute under a grant agreement to support ISS Institute fellows’ research activities. Although the VSA has provided financial support for this research, the research produced is not a statement of Victorian Government policy. The Victorian Government provides no endorsement of the research’s content, findings or conclusions. By sharing this research, VSA makes no representation about the Victorian Government’s intention to implement any conclusions or findings identified in the research.
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