Asia literacy and vocational education and training: Tracking the views of Australian business

Smart, D., Volet, S. and Ang, G. (1996) Asia literacy and vocational education and training: Tracking the views of Australian business. Western Australian Dept. of Training, East Perth, W.A..

Abstract

This publication is extracted from a larger report, 'Asia literacy: implications for the vocational education and training sector'.

The primary objective of this study was to assess the demand by export-oriented enterprises for training in Asia literacy to assist the vocational education and training sector in determining how best it might respond.

The report is divided into three parts: Part I consists of a literature review and telephone interviews with relevant TAFE personnel; Part II consists of an industry survey and analysis, supported by selected business interviews , and a newspaper survey of advertised vacancies; and Part III summarises the findings of the study and presents some concluding remarks.

The findings reveal a significant increase in the number of export oriented companies (including TAFE colleges) moving into the Asia-Pacific market and an increasing awareness of the relationship between Asia literacy and export success.