Supporting Learners in Training

By Ann Montague and Linda Hopkins
published by NCVER 2002
full pdf paper
p 7
Learners in VET and enterprises believe that support services have an important impact on their success in training and in enabling them to overvome obstacles to learning
Teachers at VET institutions interviewed felt increased retention rates and completion rates were the direct result of the provision of appropriate support to learners.
P 19
1995 survey found that 1 in 5 students ( and 1 in 3 special needs students) felt they may have dropped out their courses without the help of student services
p 20 learner support should be integrated within training provision.
p23 suggests 'workplace learning guide' in place of 'mentor'
p25-6 Van Staveren, Beverley and Bloch suggested that RTO should provide to learners:
-ensure information on course delivery modes is adequate and widely available. This includes
teaching sections with apprentices and trainees … ensuring that employers of these students
understand …the implications [of the course delivery mode] for their trainee.
-provide sufficient information for students to assess their own readiness for learning
-provide new students with a comprehensive orientation to flexible learning
-provide full information to students and teachers on the full range of student support services
-provide coordinated learning support to assist students to become more independent learners.
(Van Staveren, Beverley & Bloch 1999, p.2)

Page 30 is table showing the types of learner support provided by VET institutions and enterprises
Page 31 is table showing differences in way these two provide support.