Building learning communities: partnerships, social capital and VET performance

This evaluation report examines the impact of vocational education and training (VET), and its projectbased activities and partnerships, on the development of sustainable communities in regional Australia. Case studies were undertaken of 12 regions and two sets of performance indicators used. The study found that VET plays a critical role as the entry point to learning (for both school leavers and those re-entering the workforce), and builds considerable social and other forms of capital in regional communities. It points to new opportunities to integrate these assets into strategic regional development.