Date: Thu, 28 Oct 1999 17:01:56 +1000
From: Phil Rutherford
Subject: School leaver competency

In a few weeks I'm delivering a paper to education specialists on how vocational skills and knowledge are being applied in the final years of high school in order to prepare students for work.

Of importance is the use of competency/skills standards in the final year's curriculum. In some countries (like Australia) full vocational training is presented to students (ie, almost a pre-apprenticeship apprenticeship) while in others (eg, the UK) only the essential core competencies are taught. Others (like McDonalds in the US) are employing wider competencies to prepare students for the world of work while in some places (as one example) students are actually placed in full-time positions as part of their final year.

Just a brief commentary would be nice if readers can spare the time.

Thanks

Phil Rutherford