The International VET Practitioner Fellowship Program provides eligible applicants with the opportunity to undertake applied research in an international context. The program enables vocational education and training (VET) practitioners to generate actionable knowledge, find solutions and develop innovative practices that are applicable in their chosen professional field.
Background
The Victorian Skills Authority (VSA) works in partnership with the International Specialised Skills Institute(opens in a new window) (ISS Institute) to fund the International VET Practitioner Fellowship Program. The fellowship program has been running since 1999 and supports the priorities of Skills First(opens in a new window). These include:
- building workers’ capacity and capability
- listening to and addressing industry needs in training
- developing innovative training practices
- supporting participation and diversity in the VET sector.
Information about the fellowships
Who can apply?
To be eligible for the fellowship program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- be an Australian citizen or permanent resident over the age of 18
- live in Victoria
- be a VET practitioner employed by a Victorian Government contracted registered training organisation (RTO) including TAFES, private RTOS and Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) Board-registered Learn Local providers.
VSA Industry Advisory Group members and their executive officers are also eligible to apply.
How many fellowships are offered?
The VSA and the ISS Institute offer 10 fellowships each year (15 in 2023).
What is the value of a fellowship?
Fellowships are valued at $13,000 each.
What are the fellowship focus areas?
Fellowship applications are required to focus on one of the following priority areas:
- developing quality training with deep and meaningful connections to emerging or ongoing industry needs
- developing educational approaches that support inclusion and increase participation
- developing education and training that supports the skills needed for a clean economy.
For more information about the fellowship program, visit the ISS Institute.
What is applied research?
Applied research refers to finding practical solutions to existing problems.
Applied research activities conducted under the fellowship program may include:
- meeting knowledgeable industry leaders
- conducting interviews with leaders and, or workers
- observing and studying teaching or workplace practices
- immersing in new workplaces and environments
- undertaking specialised training
- attending a specialist conference.
Recent applied research reports by ISS Institute fellows can be accessed on the ISS Institute website.
How do I apply?
Applicants must complete the VET International Practitioner Fellowship application form on the ISS Institute website. The application questions relate to:
- your professional interests
- proposed areas for skill or knowledge development
- how your participation in the fellowship program will benefit you and the broader community.
Incoming fellows
The VSA also funds the International Industry Leader Fellowships to enable leading international experts to come and share their expertise in Victoria to build capacity and capability within the VET sector.
These fellowships are aimed at informing the VET sector and the VSA of best practices from across the world. Recent industry leaders fellows have included:
- Mr Mergim Jahiu from the Swiss Federal University of Vocational Education and Training (2023)
- Dr Kimberley Grant from the University of Calgary (2023)
- Dr Margarita Pavlova from the Education University of Hong Kong (2022)
- Professor Neil Morris from the University of Leeds (2022).
More information
If you have any questions about the fellowship program, contact the ISS Institute:
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