The pathway into employment for Anangu is not straight forward: how can VET facilitate?
The pathway into employment for Anangu is not straight forward: how can VET facilitate? Conference Paper
24th NCVER No Frills Conference
- Author(s): Skewes, Janet
- Published: 2015
- Publisher: NCVER
Abstract: This presentation explores the complexity of the interface between the workplace and Anangu from the remote Indigenous communities of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjara Lands (APY Lands), north-west of South Australia. Transitioning through education and training into the workforce is a pathway few have followed. Understanding the complexity has the potential to inform the role for vocational education and training (VET). The story of work is one of change and the implications of differing world views in an employment context dominated by government policies and remoteness is challenging for the job seeker, employee, employer and trainer. The labour market is dominated by the tyranny of distance with a low population in small communities spread across a vast area. Increasing legislation and specialisation is a reality that currently results in a workforce reliant on outsiders. VET outcomes are mixed. The Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, recently acknowledged how the employment gap for Indigenous job seekers remains and the intent of government is to provide pathways to real employment with further reforms. Indigenous communities are critical of VET, as the political adage of 'training for employment' is not seen in practice. Often there is reference made to training for training's sake, and at the same time the need for more training is expressed. This presentation will highlight the differing world views that effect being a part of the market economy and relook at the role of VET in the APY Lands. The intelligence on how to improve the transition into and within the workforce is essential for reviewing VET and for changing current workforce demographics. Consideration of the cultural interface between Anangu, the workplace, and the characteristics of the local labour market in the APY Lands, will inform the role of VET. Published abstract.
- Publisher Location: Sydney
- Keywords: No Frills Conference, Skill development, Remote, TAFE, Vocational education and training, Employment, Indigenous people, Workforce development, Skills and knowledge, Disadvantaged, Demographics, Culture and society, Providers of education and training, Oceania, Australia, South Australia