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An exciting new opportunity for strengthening VET researcher
connections to VET policymaking

Expression of Interest now open for VSA Project 4
'Implications of AI for VET'

Up to $50,000

APPLICATIONS CLOSE 28th June
(See bELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION AND eoi tEMPLATE)

APPLICANTS MUST BE CURRENT AVETRA MEMBERS


In an era of substantial reform and transformation in the Australian VET system, it is critical to ensure there is a breadth and depth of research voices informing and shaping policy and practice. A thriving and critical research community is one that makes room for a range of ideas, and a breadth of existing and emerging modes and methods of inquiry. As Australia’s only independent VET research community AVETRA is committed to building the capability and networks of new, mid-career, practitioner and established researchers.

An exciting new opportunity has emerged for AVETRA members to contribute to the evidence-based policy making of the Victorian Skills Authority (VSA), an Administrative Office of the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. AVETRA has been engaged by the VSA for a two-year programme to commission Australian VET researchers to produce ‘Research Insights’. These Research Insights will translate findings and evidence from existing research into critical policy facing outputs. From September 2023, several Research Insights projects will be commissioned, exploring a range of VET topic areas aligned with the strategic objectives and priorities of the vocational education and training system in Victoria.

This exciting partnership between VSA and AVETRA aims to inform policy activity with relevant research evidence, build policy translation capability within the VET research community and build connections between VSA staff and VET researchers. This in turn aims to create expanded opportunities for applied VET researchers to engage directly with policy-makers and influence policy development.

Researchers employed in vocational, tertiary and/or higher education institutions on research contracts, continuing research positions and/or fixed term teaching only, research only and/or teaching & research positions, and current student researchers undertaking research higher degree programs are all eligible to apply. Practitioner and early career researchers are strongly encouraged to apply. Named researchers on expressions of interest need to be current AVETRA members.

Calls for expressions of interest will be announced through emails to AVETRA members. If you are interested in applying as part of this scheme, please make sure you are a member AVETRA and signed up for our newsletters and email alerts. 


Project 4 Overview

The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) is seeking to commission a research team / researcher to provide research insights about the potential use cases for artificial intelligence (AI) in the delivery of vocational education and training (VET) in Australia, including the provision of student services and support.  

This project aims to provide policy-makers with a high level overview of the potential ways in which the use of AI may impact on (1) the design and delivery of education and training, and (2) the provision of services to prospective and current students. Areas for consideration include:

  • Developing course materials and assessment
  • Supporting students in learning and teaching, and enabling student success
  • As a tool within simulation of teaching and assessment practices
  • Supporting workplace-based learning
  • Supporting compliance and regulatory practice and processes
  • Streamlining administrative processes in support of learning and teaching
  • Increasing personalisation of career advice and support for learning progression
  • Capability development for educators in relation to:
o   The different types of AI available for use
o   How to apply AI in their teaching and learning practice
o   The changing skills that educators will require to utilise AI
o   The ethical, legal and regulatory considerations in relation to its use

This list is to give a sense of the broad nature of the overview required and equally is not an exhaustive list. In addition to the many and varied potential uses of AI in the design and delivery of VET. It should also be noted that there is increased demand from industry for training in the use of AI.

A primary output of this research insights project will be a mapping of the current and potential uses of AI in the Australian VET sector. Several case studies highlighting the ways in which AI has already impacted (positively and negatively) the VET system or related sectors (such as secondary schooling or the university sector) should be presented as a means of demonstrating the impact of AI.

The potential risks and the ethical, legal and regulatory considerations relating to the use of AI in VET teaching and learning should also be addressed in the research. This may include consideration of:

  • Potential copyright infringements
  • Contradictory expectations and/or practices for different groups in the VET system (e.g. educators being permitted to use AI in the development of assessments but students being banned from using it in their response to that assessment)
  • Issues arising from the use of AI by educators without the necessary skills and knowledge to use it appropriately
  • The potential risks of not embracing AI in VET.

To assist in framing the literature review account could be taken of the issues being considered in the National Inquiry on the opportunities and impacts for Australia arising out of the uptake of AI technologies in Australia.

(Updated EOI Below referencing $50,000 as of 13/6/2024)





To submit your application, please email avetra@avetra.org.au




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