Project status
Stage 1 has commenced and is due for completion in September 2027
Key stages of the work
Stage 1: Research and stakeholder consultation
This stage will involve targeted research using a quantitative approach to data analysis, with available data informing and guiding the qualitative phase of the research.
Due to the nature of the project and limited availability of data, it is anticipated that the majority of Stage 1 research will be conducted through qualitative stakeholder engagement with First Nations students and training providers that deliver to First Nations learners, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, industry partners in the mining and automotive sector and RTO’s with demonstrated experience in contextualising foundation skills for First Nations Cohorts.
A foundational principle of this project is that a substantial body of research and knowledge already exists on First Nations learner engagement, culturally responsive pedagogy, and community-led approaches to education. Stage 1 will begin with a structured synthesis of existing literature and findings. The research will focus on the following:
- Quantitative analysis to inform areas of First Nation’s population, training and employment to identify opportunities for increased impact
- Key considerations that impact First Nations learner engagement, participation, course completion in the VET sector and employment outcomes in the automotive and mining sectors.
- Training organisations that have developed and established experience with successful engagement and training of First Nations cohorts to identify best practices and case studies.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen or improve existing guidelines, tools, and resources currently used by
trainers and assessors to deliver culturally safe, relevant and engaging training and assessment. - Determine the capability needs of trainers and assessors to deliver culturally safe training.
Stage 2: Co-design and development
Stage 2 of the project will use the research and recommendations developed in Stage 1 to:
- Co-design with First Nations stakeholders recommended approaches to culturally safe training and assessment. This will inform a suite of recommended approaches, including practical tools, guidelines, and resources.
- Best practice methodology with a student focus will be identified and recorded to be shared across training organisations and industry.
- Case studies and recommendations will also be developed to strengthen the cultural capability of trainers and assessors.
Implementation and Promotion
Identify RTOs willing to actively contribute to Closing the Gap by piloting project recommendations and building cultural capability across the trainer and assessor workforce.