NCJ Number
165382
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper provides an overview and discussion of an Australian research project designed to monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Australian Vocational Training System (AVTS) in relation to women's employment and training in non- traditional occupations.
Abstract
The research consists of case studies of women employed in entry-level training positions in the electrical/electronic and automotive industry AVTS pilot programs. It will be undertaken mainly through two case studies of pilot projects being conducted in industries where women's participation in non-administrative roles is less than 1 percent, i.e., the automotive and electrical/electronics industries. Following an overview of the National Training Reform Agenda and the AVTS, this paper reviews women's participation to date. In 12 pilot projects in Victoria that have involved occupations that are non-traditional for women, female participation is scattered in terms of outcomes. Pilots being conducted in the electrical/electronic industry and the automotive industries are exceptional in terms of number of women participating. In these industries, female participation in pilot programs is 14 percent. There are significant problems and barriers to achieving gender equity in employment in Australia, however. Privatization policies, coupled with severely diminished funding for access and equity programs and officers at all levels of government, together with the implementation of "the open training market," has resulted in little "voice" to highlight access and equity issues as well as limited opportunities for women's employment in non-tradition roles in the marketplace. The impetus for employment programs for women has generally stemmed from women or governments. Both women's groups and government services are significantly constrained in their efforts at this stage. 8 references