Partners in a Learning Culture

Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 2000–2005

Partners in a Learning Culture: Australia’s National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 2000–2005 was developed by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Training Advisory Council (ATSIPTAC) to identify the strategies needed for the provision of culturally appropriate vocational education and training (VET), which would improve education, training and employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians. ATSIPTAC was established by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) to investigate and provide advice on participation and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in vocational education and training.

Partners in a Learning Culture will provide the framework which enables key Indigenous and other stakeholders to:

• identify the key VET issues and activities that are most important for Indigenous community development;
• include the perspectives of Indigenous people in current and future VET policy and programs at all levels;
• ensure that VET decisions (including decisions about resources) result in better outcomes for Indigenous individuals and communities;
• show how VET programmes can be better managed for Indigenous communities;
• lay down quality and continuous improvement measures which build upon positive gains already made within the VET sector; and
• set out measurable objectives to improve outcomes for Indigenous Australians in VET and employment.

The ANTA Board established a national taskforce to develop a Blueprint to implement the strategy. The Blueprint identifies where effort is needed, and by whom, to achieve accountable and equitable delivery of quality VET for Indigenous Australians. It aims to improve the learning experience, assist people to achieve employment and lifelong learning outcomes, and create a more accountable system. The Partners in a Learning Culture National Strategy and Blueprint for Implementation were endorsed in June 2000 by the Commonwealth, State and Territory Ministers responsible for training.

The Partners in a Learning Culture strategy complements a number of existing VET policies, including A Bridge to the Future: Australia’s National Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1998–2003, the national strategic plan for VET into the new millennium. A Bridge to the Future is the agreed Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments’ statement of the vision, objectives and intended outcomes for the national VET system. ANTA, in consultation with Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments, Australian industries and registered training organisations developed the strategy, and all parties have joint responsibility for its implementation. Industry leadership, including that provided by industry training advisory bodies, will be essential for the Strategy’s success.

One of the key objectives in the National VET Strategy is ‘Achieving equitable outcomes in vocational education and training’, whereby opportunities to participate in, and to complete, VET should be available to all people on an equitable basis.

For further information contact:

Australian National Training Authority
ANTA is Australia’s national body responsible for training policy and strategic planning. ANTA works with industry and training providers to ensure that training meets industry’s needs and with the education authorities in every state and territory.

Brisbane Office
Level 11, 10 Eagle Street
PO Box 3120
BRISBANE QLD 4001
Phone: (07) 3246 2300
Fax: (07) 3246 2490
TTY: 61 7 3246 2310
Web: http://www.anta.gov.au

CONTENTS

This edition of Learning for All provides details of some significant developments in the education and training of Indigenous Australians in the schools, vocational education and training, and higher education sectors. The publication also provides information on research findings and best practice in education.

Closing the Gaps – an overview of outcomes for Indigenous students in the different sectors.

Introduction – the Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, the Hon Dr David Kemp MP.

The National Indigenous English Literacyand Numeracy Strategy – a major initiative to improve educational outcomes for Indigenous students.

Absenteeism investigated – examines the attendance rates of Indigenous students at all levels of schooling and ways to improve them.

Is there a relationship between the school success of Indigenous students and positive self-identity? – considers the relationship between school outcomes and the self-identities of young Indigenous Australians.

Developing Best Practice with Indigenous New Apprenticeships – identifies innovative ways to implement Indigenous New Apprenticeships.

Helping Indigenous students make the transition from school to work – examines how Indigenous students are performing at a number of transition points from school to work. (continued over page)

Green Corps – discusses the participation of Indigenous people in this national training programme for young Australians.

What Works? – discusses effective teaching strategies, which were trialled in schools throughout Australia during 1998 and 1999. 17 Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005.

Partners in a Learning Culture – outlines the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy for Vocational Education and Training 1999–2005.

Kardu Kigay – young men in a remote Aboriginal community are helped to develop self-esteem, strengthen English literacy and numeracy skills and gain skills for possible future employment.

Territorian takes out top training award – for Indigenous students in the 2000 Australian Training Awards.

Career options and the world of work – help for Indigenous students and their parents to make choices about their education and careers.

Gumala Mirnuwarni – “coming together to learn”, Indigenous community, schools and industry in the Karratha region of Western Australia work together.

WADU “together in partnership and trust” – innovative workplace learning experiences for Indigenous secondary students.

Indigenous law students gain work experience – since the 1970s Indigenous law students have been helped to successfully complete their degree.

Yandi – an assignment and assessment tracking database to increase the success and retention rates for Indigenous students.

Open Learning Initiatives to Assist Indigenous Australians – aim to improve access to education for Indigenous people.

The Facts and Figures section – profiles trends in participation by Indigenous Australians across all sectors of education and training.

Questionnaire: Learning for All: Opportunities for Indigenous Australians. – The editors would appreciate your feedback on the pilot edition of Learning For All.