6 September 2006
Researchers at Monash University's Gippsland campus have secured nearly $100,000 in research funding to investigate why a significant number of commencing trainees and apprentices do not complete their course.
The project has been funded by the Victorian Government's Community Regional Industry Skills Program, all members of the Gippsland Local Government Network, Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network and Monash University's Gippsland campus.
Dr Darryn Snell from the Research Unit for Work and Communication Futures at Monash University's Gippsland Campus said much was known about why people take up apprenticeships and traineeships and what it takes to complete them. "However, we have no real evidence to help understand the reasons why people don't finish," Dr Snell said. "At a time of major skill shortages and significant growth, this is a problem both for the individuals concerned and for the region."
The research is to be completed by the end of 2007 and will produce recommendations to improve trainee and apprentice completion rates across Gippsland and the state. While the research will be conducted across all of Gippsland, regional bases will be established in Wonthaggi, Warragul and Bairnsdale.
Researchers will talk to educators, training bodies, employers, trade unions, community groups and people who did not complete their traineeship or apprenticeship.
"We want to find out from local people themselves why they didn't complete their courses," said Professor Al Rainnie, from the Department of Management at the Gippsland campus. "There could be all sorts of reasons behind these figures. We want to know why people wanted to leave and where they went afterwards."
For more information contact Professor Al Rainnie on 03 5122 6623 or Dr. Darryn Snell on 03 5122 6347.
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