Technical colleges and industry partnerships: advancing workplace learning and organizational effectiveness

Historically, technical colleges in Australia have monopolised the delivery of vocational education and training. Industry exerted little influence over curriculum content and design and had to accept whatever colleges offered them in terms of skilled staff. Starting in the 1980s, a deregulated training market and increasingly intense competition have compelled technical colleges to “corporatize” their services to retain business. Colleges now listen closely to industry and attempt to provide what industry demands in terms of skilled people through a range of consultative partnerships. These partnerships have led to some exciting and innovative changes to the structure and delivery of vocational training programs. Companies that have proactively worked with colleges have enhanced learning opportunities for their staff and increased organizational competitiveness. This paper outlines some significant benefits realized by one company through its business partnerships with technical colleges.