The research has been made possible through competitive funding secured from the National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation Committee. Behind the study is CSU specialist in vocational education and training, Associate Professor Erica Smith.
“This type of research into our vocational education and training practices will have a significant impact on policy and help to direct how we better prepare young people for the workforce,” said Professor Smith, a lecturer and researcher with the School of Education at CSU.
“There has been limited research to date to identify the effect different types of workplace contact, such as part-time jobs, have on their career choices,” said the CSU academic.
Using two existing databases established from school students who participated in earlier national projects, the study will examine the extent to which post-school career paths of students are influenced by their engagement with workplaces through work experience and paid part-time work while at school.
“Not only do school students undertake work experience, the large majority also have several years of formal part-time work,” added Dr Smith.
In addition 40% of students in Years 11 and 12 also take vocational courses that involve periods of formal work placements”.
The research team, including Professor Smith and colleagues Annette Green and Dr Brian Hemmings, hopes to complete the project by the end of the year.
| Fiona Halloran Media Unit, Wagga Wagga Tel. (02) 6933 2207 Email wagga-media@csu.edu.au |
Media note:
- Associate Professor Erica Smith is available for interview. Contact the Media Office.
Published by CSU Media Unit, Division of Marketing & Communications.
Web design: W. Ward
Last edited: 1 September 2004
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