A study of VET advanced diploma and HE associate degree programs in engineering

Paper

Dowling, David. 2011. "A study of VET advanced diploma and HE associate degree programs in engineering ." NCVER 2011: 20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference: No Frills . Coffs Harbour, Australia 13 - 15 Jul 2011 Adelaide, South Australia.
Paper/Presentation Title

A study of VET advanced diploma and HE associate degree programs in engineering

Presentation TypePaper
Authors
AuthorDowling, David
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference: No Frills (NCVER 2011)
ERA Conference ID51009
Year2011
Place of PublicationAdelaide, South Australia
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://hdl.voced.edu.au/10707/170887.
Conference/EventNCVER 2011: 20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference: No Frills
National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference (No Frills)
Event Details
NCVER 2011: 20th National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference: No Frills
Event Date
13 to end of 15 Jul 2011
Event Location
Coffs Harbour, Australia
Event Details
National Vocational Education and Training Research Conference (No Frills)
NCVER No Frills
Abstract

This paper synthesises the outcomes of four research projects that explored different aspects of paraprofessional engineering education in Australia. The first study reviewed the AQF level 6 programs offered by Australian institutions in 2010: Advanced Diplomas and Associate Degrees. The second study reported on the results of an online questionnaire that gathered student perspectives on why they chose their program, their work experiences, and their career aspirations. The last two studies were government funded and reported on articulation pathways between VET and HE degree programs.

The paper concludes with a discussion of the key issues and the impact they have on students, educators and employers, including:

• The different learning and assessment approaches used in each sector and RPL granted in degree programs.
• The diversity of VET program structures resulting from the involvement of multiple Industry Skills Councils.
• The impact of Engineers Australia's new accreditation system – the international benchmark.
• The diversity of aims and admission requirements for these programs that ostensibly lead to the same occupation - Engineering Associate
• The finding that only16% of the students have a career goal to be an Engineering Associate, with more than half intending to articulate into a degree program.

KeywordsVET engineering; advanced diploma engineering; associate degree engineering; AQF level 6; student perspectives; student career aspirations
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020390399. Education systems not elsewhere classified
390113. Science, technology and engineering curriculum and pedagogy
390402. Education assessment and evaluation
Public Notes

No evidence of copyright restrictions preventing deposit.

Byline AffiliationsFaculty of Engineering and Surveying
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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