Learning by doing: Vocational Education for the future world of work

Learning by doing: Vocational Education for the future world of work

Pro Vice-Chancellor for Vocational Education Mish Eastman says that while the future world of work might be changing, strong ties to industry put vocational education in a unique position to respond.

With extensive expertise enhancing tertiary pathways and creating new models of education and training, Eastman has an instinctive understanding of how to create education and employment success for learners.

Looking at the Vocational Education (VE) sector, she said the challenge now more than ever was to provide the right balance of practice, provocation, support, learning and assessment to ensure VE graduates were appropriately equipped to embrace the future world of work.

Eastman said that in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were now looking to reskill for their long-term future, but added that reskilling for now shouldn’t be overlooked, as we eye a post pandemic economy.

“Understanding your skills and the skills needed by employers can help you pivot quickly now and point you in the direction of where you might want to go in the longer-term,” she said.

“Knowing your options is a really important first step. Choosing a pathway can be confusing – with government-supported places, short courses, VE, higher education and everything in between.”

RMIT has a strong history of creating opportunities for learning through doing, with students able to apply that to the contemporary world of work.

04 June 2020

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Mish Eastman, RMIT's Pro Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education.

“VE as a whole plays a critical role in providing foundational training, and as a dual sector university, RMIT has the infrastructure, resources and industry relationships to provide the skilled training being demanded by employers,” Eastman said.

“It’s our responsibility to ensure VE graduates are the next generation of skilled, knowledgeable, adaptable and productive employees, employers, business creators and community leaders.”

For young people thinking about study and career possibilities, she said knowing your strengths and when to say yes to opportunities would help guide the way.

“Ask people what you’re good at, what you should keep doing and maybe what you should stop doing – this can really help you work out what might be right for you next."

“And don’t be afraid to give things a go when opportunities arise. The future of work is full of possibilities, and education and training are just the first steps to finding your place in it.”

For Eastman, it’s the wider benefits of access to education, not only to individuals but their communities, that keep her focused on the evolving role of VE.

Eastman joined RMIT in 2019 in a newly created position of Pro Vice-Chancellor Vocational Education following years of leadership roles in health and education.

 

Story: Grace Taylor

04 June 2020

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