Improving Indigenous completion rates in mainstream TAFE: an action research

Indigenous engagement with vocational education and training (VET) has improved significantly, but successful Indigenous completion rates are lower nationally when compared to the overall population. In this report, based on an action research project, Jo Balatti, Lyn Gargano, Martha Goldman, Gary Wood and Julie Woodlock examine intra-institutional factors at four Queensland TAFE institutes to better understand and take action on issues affecting Indigenous completion rates. At policy level, the authors conclude mainstream programs require examination at three levels - intellectual, cultural and social - to develop effective responses to facilitate successful Indigenous completion rates. At organisation level, the authors recommend examination of organisational culture for consistency of values and beliefs, and practices in terms of content, teaching, support, and collaboration