Skip to main content

Vocational Learning in the Frame of a Developing Identity

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Vocational Learning
  • 1359 Accesses

Abstract

This chapter highlights the significance of identity formation during vocational learning. While it is often assumed that vocational training should be focused on making learners job ready with a range of skills that can be applied to workplaces, the paper argues that, without a corresponding focus on building the identity of learners, training will not be as effective as it otherwise would be. These conclusions are based on the findings of a research project in northern Australia, where 132 respondents were asked to describe what they considered to be ‘effective’ in a training programme. The findings have particular relevance to training providers who want to maximize the effectiveness of their training to meet the needs of trainees and employers.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • ACACA. (2008). Changing schools in Australia. Australian curriculum assessment & certification authorities. Retrieved January 2008, from http://acaca.bos.nsw.edu.au/go/

  • Augoustinos, M., & Walker, I. (1995). Social cognition: An integrated introduction. London: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Australian Industry Group & The Allen Consulting Group. (2006). World class skills for world class industries: Employers’ perspectives on skilling in Australia. North Sydney: The Australian Industry Group.

    Google Scholar 

  • Balatti, J., & Falk, I. (2000). Community capacity and vocational education and training. Launceston: University of Tasmania.

    Google Scholar 

  • Berger, P. (1963). Invitation to sociology: A humanistic perspective. London: Penguin.

    Google Scholar 

  • Billett, S., & Somerville, M. (2004). Transformations at work: Identity and learning. Studies in Continuing Education, 26, 309–326.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bourke, E. (1998). Australia’s first peoples: Identity and population. In C. Bourke, E. Bourke, & Edwards, B (Eds.), Aboriginal Australia (2nd ed.) (pp. 38–55). Brisbane: University of Queensland Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, P., Hesketh, A., & Williams, S. (2003). Employability in a knowledge-driven economy [1]. Journal of Education and Work, 16, 107–126.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clemans, A., Hartley, R., & Macrae, H. (2003). ACE outcomes. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. (1996). Sociological perspectives on identity formation: The culture-identity link and identity capital. Journal of Adolescence, 19, 417–428.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Côté, S. (2001). The contribution of human and social capital. Isuma (Canadian Journal of Policy Research), 2, 29–36.

    Google Scholar 

  • Côté, J. (2005). Identity capital, social capital and the wider benefits of learning: Generating resources facilitative of social cohesion. London Review of Education, 3, 221–237.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Curtin, P. (2004). Employability skills for the future. In J. Gibb (Ed.), Generic skills in vocational education and training (pp. 38–52). Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Educational Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Curtis, D. (2008). VET pathways taken by school leavers, Camberwell, Australian Council for Educational Research. Retrieved October 2008, from http://www.acer.edu.au/documents/LSAY_lsay52.pdf

  • DEEWR. (2007). MCEETYA framework for vocational education in schools. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Retrieved January 2008, from http://www.dest.gov.au/sectors/school_education/policy_initiatives_reviews/key_issues/vocational_education_in_schools/mceetya_framework/mceetya_element_2.htm?wbc_purpose=basic%23%23%23.

  • Elliott, A. (2001). Concepts of the self (key concepts). Cambridge: Polity Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erikson, E. (1980). Identity and the life cycle. New York: W. W. Norton and Co.

    Google Scholar 

  • Falk, I., & Smith, T. (2003). Leadership in vocational education and training: Leadership by design, not by default. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guenther, J., Falk, I., & Arnott, A. (2008a). The role of vocational education and training in welfare to work. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Guenther, J., Falk, I., Arnott, A., Lucardie, D., & Spiers, H. (2008b). Examining learning partnerships in Northern Australia. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammond, C. (2004). The impacts of learning on well-being, mental health and effective coping. In T. Schuller, J. Preston, C. B.-G. A. Hammond, & Bynner, J (Eds.), The benefits of learning: The impact of education on health, family life and social capital (pp. 37–56). Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maxwell, G., Noonan, P., Bahr, M., & Hardy, I. (2004). Managing better measuring institutional health and effectiveness in vocational education and training. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mitchell, J., & McKenna, S. (2008). Productivity and participation enhanced by VET. Elizabeth: Reframing the Future.

    Google Scholar 

  • NCVER. (2007). Australian vocational education and training statistics, Student outcomes 2007. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Richardson, S., & Teese, R. (2006). A well-skilled future: Tailoring VET to the emerging labour market. Adelaide: National Centre for Vocational Education Research. Retrieved October 2008, from http://www.ncver.edu.au/research/proj/nr4022/Richardson_ConsortiumOverview.pdf

    Google Scholar 

  • Schuller, T., Bynner, J., & Feinstein, L. (2004a). Capitals and capabilities. Centre for Research on the Wider Benefits of Learning. Retrieved February 2007, from http://www.learningbenefits.net/Publications/DiscussionPapers/CapsCaps.pdf

  • Schuller, T., Preston, J., Hammond, C., Brassett-Grundy, A. B.-G. A., & Bynner, J. (2004b). The benefits of learning: The impact of education on health, family life and social capital. Abingdon: RoutledgeFalmer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stasz, C., & Wright, S. (2004). Emerging policy for vocational learning in England. Will it lead to a better system? London: Learning and Skills Research Centre. Retrieved January 2008, from http://www.skope.ox.ac.uk/WorkingPapers/041657.pdf

  • TAFE Directors Australia. (2007). Investing in productivity! Engaging TAFE to accelerate workforce development and job participation. Phillip, ACT: TAFE Directors Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Allen Consulting Group. (2004). Employability skills: Development of a strategy to support the universal recognition and recording of employability skills–A skills portfolio approach. Department of Education Science and Training. Canberra, Retrieved May 2011, from http://www.deewr.gov.au/Schooling/CareersandTransitions/EmployabilitySkills/Documents/FinalReportAllenConsulting.pdf

  • Wenger, E. (1998). Communities of practice. Learning, meaning and identity. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to John Guenther .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V.

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Guenther, J. (2011). Vocational Learning in the Frame of a Developing Identity. In: Catts, R., Falk, I., Wallace, R. (eds) Vocational Learning. Technical and Vocational Education and Training: Issues, Concerns and Prospects, vol 13. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-1539-4_13

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics