Setting up learning partnerships in vocational education and training: lessons learnt

Abstract

The authors of this article were involved in designing and delivering a vocational education and training (VET) program for employees of a large Australian government agency. Learning partnerships were included as an integral part of this program and research was conducted to determine whether learning partnerships could be used effectively in workplace training. The initial research findings confirmed that, despite the differences between higher education (HE) and VET, learning partnerships could be successfully used in VET. As the program was repeated several times, the authors were provided with an opportunity to conduct developmental research on how to set up successful learning partnerships in a VET program. This article reports on what helped and hindered the integration of learning partnerships in the program. Some of the issues explored include: how to best structure learning partnerships to encourage participation; the desirable qualities of an effective learning partner; and the critical role played by the facilitator in setting up learning partnerships.