Examining education qualifications for Australian vocational education practitioners

Abstract

This paper addresses the practice of professional development within the vocational education and training (VET) arena. The study objective was to explore appropriate education qualifications for Australian VET practitioners in the tourism and hospitality sector required for effective teaching practice. The study was conducted utilising qualitative research techniques. The investigation concentrated on a case‐study context of VET practitioners currently working within a department of tourism and hospitality at a number of Australian VET registered training organisations. Interviews were conducted with 10 front‐line teaching practitioners and four management heads of department. Results of the study indicated that a career VET practitioner should demonstrate a commitment to professionalism by completing a higher education qualification.

Keywords:

• vocational education and training
• teacher training
• teacher development
• adult learning
• workplace learning