At the second Asia and Pacific Technical and Vocational Education Forum running today and tomorrow.
The conference has a mix of presentations, mostly on policy and governance. The China-NZ Higher Vocational Education Summit is also one of the streams running through the conference.
The conference is fully on-line and starts after lunch time in Aotearoa, to allow for time differences across Asia.
Here are notes taken from today's keynotes and presentations.
The conference begins with a mihi whakatau (traditional Māori welcome) with Mila Tupaea, who is Chief Te Ao Māori advisor for the Skills Consulting group. He is supported by Nancy Purvis also from SCG who provides an overview to all on the purposes of Māori language week, summarised the history of Māori language's struggle through the last century and the current revival of the language in Aotearoa.
The opening address is with Hon. Chris Hipkins, the NZ Minister of Education. Extended welcome to all, especially participants and institutes / organisation from overseas.
Summarised the rationale and status of the reform of vocational education (RoVE) including the integration of work-based and institutional training through Te Pūkenga. The role of Work Development Councils (WDCs) and the Regional Leadership groups (RLSGs). Stressed the need for Te Pūkenga and all providers to uphold the crown relationship with Māori. The integrated system provides ease of movement between work-based and institutional learning. Wished the forum well.
Josh Williams from SCG introduces the first keynote with Akustina Morni, Senior advisor for the International Organisation for Employers (IOE). Summarised the role of IOE - promote and defend business interest at the United Naitons, International Labour Organisation (ILO) etc. established since 1920 and thousands of members across the world with many international partners and organisations. Presented on the ILO apprenticeship standard setting process to provide for quality apprenticeships and the general perspectives of employers on TVET systems, challenges, common concerns and policy recommendations.
Began with a quick overview of the future of work - tech and digital transformation, changing demographics, climate change, globalisation and skills shortages. The pandemic exposed structural issues with impacts on the way we organise work, the employment status of workers, the evolution and expansion of industry skill needs, employment impacts through digitization and automation, the gig/platform economy, the nature and dynamics of dialogue between employees and employers etc.
ILO considers the importance of governments, employers and workers on the many items listed above. Detailed the background behind the evolution and details of the ILO standard setting for apprenticeships. Presented on the advantages of apprenticeship for all groups and shared the critical issues for employers. In general these were around rigid regulations, no incentives/guidance for employers, the lower status of apprenticeships, be inclusive, a lack of coordination across separate government bodies, difficulties. etc.
Recommendations for the standards include: the removal of traineeships and internships and to only use the term apprenticeship, support through national laws and circumstances, stronger language on promotional approach to remove negative connotations, nuanced language on classification of apprentices - not just employees, and incentives.
Common challenges include skills mismatches/shortages, talent mobility, underuntilisation of skills, imbalances between supply and demand, government ministries working in parallel rather than (together) lack of financial resources, investments, qualified teachers/professionals, and each sector - employers, governments and workers have specific challenges. Examples shared.
The ILO recommendations found here.
Continued with the need to evolve 'skills' as the top skills of the future are about asking 'why' / 'why not' rather than rote learning of what and how. Skills which are not easy to quantify are more important than technical skills and knowledge. Stressed the need to also support skills for jobs in the green economy. Used the example of Singapore as a 'future ready' country with some good practices. Other examples include the WorldSkills forum, Accenture - new skills project, Microsoft - imagine academy, GAN, UNESCO Institute of Lifelong learning etc. Check Deloitte report for 'future skills' Encouraged all to engage with employer and business membership organisations so that their viewpoints are collected.
Breakout session across 5 streams begin, with presentations from Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, the China-NZ Higher Vocational Education Summit, and from Fiji. I attend the session by Afiq Redzuan, group chief executive officer for Multimedia Technology Enhancement Operations (METEOR) presented on lifelong learning in Malaysia and thriving in the evolving digital economy. Began with rationale, especially in the Malaysian context, of the importance of lifelong learning. Defined lifelong learning as the 'acquiring and updating all kinds of abilities, interests, knowledge and qualifications from pre-school to post-retirement. Shared the blueprint for success in lifelong learning and the 11th and 12th Malaysian plans to shape and support lifelong learning. Impact of the outcomes of TVET has been good with most graduates moving into work. Status of TVET still poor but TVET graduates are in high demand. Disruption due to Covid increased unemployment and had impact on work culture. Raised opportunities for open and distance learning and the promotion of lifelong learning. Over 61% of companies want to continue with hybrid work arrangements now. Digitalization of learning increased with higher intake in the ODL university. Shared learning design of OD through online interactive activities, assessments, e-lessons, online exams, and online grading. Post -covid the quality of education needs to remain intact - regardless of delivery method, systems and processes require enhancement, move towards micro-credentials and work on enhancing reputation of ODL for adult learning.
Two panel sessions convene, before DAY 1 comes to an end.
Panel 1 is on the future of apprenticeships with presentations and discussion from Garry Workman (GAN - Global Apprenticeship Network, Australia), Josh Williams (GAN NZ), Erik Swars (Switzerland - Swiss Federation University VET), Josē Oberson (MOVETIA - Switzerland) and Nazreen Mannie (GAN) who is the moderator.
Nazreen introduced the panellist and the topic, including the key need now for ensuring apprenticeships remain relevant and effective in a post-pandemic world. Each updated on current initiatives in their country around apprenticeship systems and skills development.
Gary provided the Australian perspective which has an all-time low unemployment rate and the challenge of engaging the people who really need skills to move into the future. The new government has convened a 'jobs and skills summit' to discuss the many challenges. The main ones with apprenticeship are completion (still hovering around 40 -50%)l support of small businesses which often are under-resourced to support apprentices, and a new government grappling with high inflation, low unemployment and high skills demand. Overview of Australian group training system here.
Erik provided the Swiss experience which has a well-respected VET system with 60% plus students take up. Unemployment is very low. Collaboration across the cantons is always a challenge. Important to ensure there is a clear pathway post apprenticeship, so that the apprenticeship is a first step into work and career. follow up paper here on the Swiss system.
Josē reiterated and supported Erik's summary and added the view on mobility between sectors etc. at least once during formal education and its importance in providing learners with a wider / broader education during apprenticeship.
Josh provided the Aotearoa overview. With NZ being in the middle of RoVE, it is important to learn from others. Often workplace training is not recognised or accreditated. There is a need for the formal system to understand better, the workplace learning approaches and to integrate work and formal study much better. Like the other countries, unemployment is very low. Dual systems with their dynamic relationships between corporations and providers provide a model to learn from.
Next question revolves around how to support and engage companies in training.
Gary has similar challenges and the green sector along with health/care sectors do not have a pathway for apprenticeships - usually relying on universities. Small businesses without the capacity or the variety/continualty of work and support for these will help. Initiatives are being increased and worked through to support more sign ups of apprentices including bringing in more women, diversity into traditional male occupations.
Erik discussed the ways Europe has to adapt to current and future challenges. The energy shortage has required innovation as Switzerland has no natural fuel sources. The curricula for VET is being reviewed to ensure that labour market needs are met. The outcomes are quite broad which helps allow companies flexible in meeting the needs. Small enterprises are also the backbone of the Swiss VET and systems and processes must be robust to support these.
Josē reiterated the role of 'mobility' to help Swiss economic development. In particular, contributes towards development of 'soft skills', adaptability, and flexibility with learners. An example provided in the health system, with many workers coming from other countries and adapting to the Swiss system.
Josh acknowledges that it should not be VET vs academic, but another pathway which has a clearer connection with work. Encouraging young people, about to complete schooling, should have opportunities to try a range of work, to affirm their affinities. Employer and school connections are important.
There is a conference (shifted from this year) in 2023 organised by all the panel members.
Panel 2 collates 'The youth voice:Stories of impact in VET, with representatives from Ivy Chen (China), Josh Nicki (Australia), Le Ngoc Ling (Vietnam), Momman Nattapon Aunhabundit (Thailand) and moderated by Jim So from Skills Consulting group. As with last years segment, an uplifting session :) Once a affinity to a vocation /occupation is found, passion bolsters resilience, confidence and success.
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