Adult Retraining and Reskilling in Korea and Australia

Abstract

This project will explore the mechanisms utilized by adults in Australia and Korea to keep their skills current or to enhance their range of skills. The research will investigate the institutional structures available in the two countries that either promote or act to discourage adult retraining. The mechanisms that are available across all course configurations will be examined and alternative delivery strategies will be evaluated to determine what aspects of the vocational education and training systems in the two countries are appropriate to meet the needs of adults who are either upskilling or retraining. The impact of modularization of courses and the introduction of on-line and flexible delivery will be evaluated. Both the public and private training systems will be examined and the role of firms in facilitating or delivering adult training will be explored across a range of industries. The research will identify areas of the vocational education and training systems in the two countries which are providing positive outcomes for adults retraining or upskilling, and also highlight areas of the sector not adequately servicing the needs of this group. Synergies will be identified between the Korean and Australian training systems to assist each country improve their delivery of vocational education and training to adults who wish to improve their skills.