The Role of Vocational Education Training in Engaging Communities

Davey KB¹*

1. Vocational Education and Training Programme, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

A case study of the CareerLink Programme, a Local Community Partnership that incorporates Vocational Education and Training provides a successful working model that benefits both the individual and the community. A collaborative partnership involving a group of schools and industry in a region located in Perth, Western Australia incorporates nationally accredited training delivered by Registered Training Organisations which enables students to be well prepared for active citizenship. The social justice aspect in promoting active citizenship through Vocational Education and Training skills development is explored.

Studies conducted by the Australian National Centre for Vocational Education Research have identified that community partnerships are generally formed to address local issues. Enacted social partnerships support the function within the community. Vocational Education and Training has been characterised by both community and enacted social partnerships which are constructed in a way to support vocational learning through a range of diverse initiatives. Social partnerships contribute to broader objectives aimed at strengthening communities by building relationships, working productively with a diversity of partners, and enhancing capacity for local governance.

Consideration of the role of VET in social partnerships has proven to be helpful in addressing the needs of young people and communities in developing a culture of lifelong learning which fosters sustainability in the long term. Learning has been viewed as a productive means of dealing with rapid change in the social and economic context by actively pursuing initiatives including securing employment, developing new skills and creating viable enterprises that provides greater security and potential for independence.

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