Skills for All Independent Validation of Assessment Industry Report Child Care Industry

Transcription

1 Skills for All Independent Validation of Assessment Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma in Children s Services This report summarises the findings from the Independent Validation of Assessment for the Certificate III in Children s Services and Diploma of Children s Services which was managed by the Department of State Development SA. Dr Pamela Winter was contracted to assist with the development and conducting of the employer survey and assisted with the preparation of the report. Skills SA Level 4, 11 Waymouth Street ADELAIDE 5000 GPO Box 320 ADELAIDE SA 5001 DX321 Tel (+61) Fax (+61) Published May 2015

2 Contents 1. Objectives Outcomes Method Findings... 5 Graduates assessed by their employer... 5 The rating of graduates against tasks of an early childhood educator... 6 What employers said about the quality of graduates they interviewed What employers said about training providers What employers said about how training can be improved Employers views on demand for graduates The importance of early childhood educators to hold qualifications Percentage of new staff that are graduates Early childhood educator recruitment New staff recruited and training through a traineeship Training of existing staff Graduate employment outcomes Graduates who were employed before commencing their course Graduates who were unemployed before commencing their course Graduate satisfaction with training services Training provider data Course duration Enrolment outcomes Results for completed units of competency Completion rates Student demographics Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 2

3 1. Objectives The purpose of Independent Validation of Assessment was to determine whether graduates from vocational education and training courses funded under Skills for All can do the job to industry standards and in particular find out from employers: whether graduates from the Certificate III and Diploma of Children s Services can do the job of a child care worker the importance of the Certificate III and Diploma for recruitment and selection decisions and their satisfaction with the quality and consistency of graduates. Independent Validation of Assessment also included surveying course graduates on employment outcomes and satisfaction with training services and analysing how performance varied across training providers. 2. Outcomes The findings for the Certificate III and Diploma in Children s Services show that most graduates employed in Child Care are assessed by their employer as being able to perform most of their duties in the workplace to a satisfactory standard. However, responses from employers also show that improvements need to be made in the quality and consistency of training services. The proportion of graduates reported by employers as being unsuitable for employment is of concern as are the number of employers who report that they have received poor training services from a training provider. The assessment of graduates in the workplace has identified some skill areas that will benefit from closer attention during training. The suggestions made by employers about what they require from training providers and graduates are also helpful. These include: ensuring that only students suitable for child care work and with appropriate literacy numeracy and English language skills are enrolled offering courses of sufficient duration for students to acquire skills consolidating these skills and knowledge together with quality assured work placements supported by regular communication between the training provider, child care centre staff and the student. Both courses had positive impacts on graduates employment status, particularly for graduates from the Certificate III in Children s Services, where many were either unemployed or not working in the industry before they commenced their course. More than half of the graduates from the Certificate III in Children s Services who were unemployed before their course gained employment with almost three quarters working in child care. Half of the respondents who were employed but not working in child care prior to course commencement were working in child care after graduation. Graduate satisfaction with training services was very high at over 95%. There is variation across training providers in course duration, the duration of work placements and completion and withdrawal rates. Further investigation is required to explain these differences and this will be further examined in conjunction with individual providers. Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 3

4 3. Method Employer survey / 25 Employers surveyed Graduates assessed by their employer (up to 3 per employer) (143 from Certificate III, 75 from Diploma) tasks against which each graduate was assessed for Cert III / Diploma Graduate outcome surveys Surveyed from total of 1,960 graduates in period 1 Nov 2012 to 31 March 2014 (350 from Certificate III, 171 from Diploma) Telephone survey (May - June 2014) Online survey (November 2013) Enrolment data 3,767 / 1, February 2015 Enrolment records created between 1 July 2012 and 30 June 2013 for Certificate III / Diploma analysed Training Providers The date at which the status of each enrolment record was checked to determine if the student had graduated, withdrawn or was still in training. Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 4

5 Diploma of Children s Services Certificate III in Children s Services 4. Findings Graduates assessed by their employer 70% were existing workers 36% of these worked in child care prior to current employer 96% of these worked in child care for more than 6 months 80% were existing workers 56% of these worked in child care prior to current employer 87% of these worked in child care for more than 6 months What employers said about the quality of graduates they employed Firstly, employers were asked, At the time the graduate commenced employment with your organisation, could they competently perform the duties of a child care educator? Certificate III in Children s Services Diploma of Children s Services 11% 28% 18% 21% 27% 15% 34% 46% However, employers more favourably rated graduates against individual tasks Certificate III in Children s Services Diploma of Children s Services 89% 91% On average, 89% of graduates had excellent or adequate skills in all 29 job tasks On average, 91% of graduates had excellent or adequate skills in all 25 job tasks Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 5

6 The rating of graduates from the Certificate III in Children s Services against all 29 tasks of an early childhood educator Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 6

7 Top 10 tasks rated excellent for a Certificate III graduate in early childhood education Top 10 tasks rated poor for a Certificate III graduate in early childhood education Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 7

8 The rating of graduates from the Diploma of Children s Services against each of the 25 tasks of an early childhood educator Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 8

9 Top 10 tasks rated excellent for a Diploma graduate in early childhood education Top 10 tasks rated poor for a Diploma graduate in early childhood education Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 9

10 What employers said about the quality of graduates they interviewed When employers were asked, What percentage of graduates holding the following qualification/s who you interviewed for a job at your site had the required skills and knowledge?, just under half reported that less than 50% of graduates they had interviewed for employment held the required skills and knowledge to be a child care educator % of Graduates who held the required skills 0% 1 to 24% 25 to 49% 50 to 74% 75 to 99% 100% Number of employers indicating response for Certificate III candidates (% of total) Number of employers indicating response for Diploma candidates (% of total) 6 (9%) 18 (28%) 18 (28%) 10 (15%) 7 (11%) 6 (9%) 7 (10%) 17 (25%) 17 (25%) 11 (16%) 8 (12%) 8 (12%) The most common reasons for graduates not being successful at interview for both the Certificate III and Diploma 42% 35% 41% Did not meet job specification criteria Inappropriate personal attributes No or insufficient work experience What employers said about training providers Over three quarters of employers indicated that there were training providers from whom they prefer to recruit staff. The most common reasons for this for both qualifications were: 66% 63% 67% Quality of graduates Work placement arrangements Good communication What employers said about how training can be improved More practical experience during their course Better assessment of each student s suitability for child care work prior to enrolment More support for students on work placement. Worksite assessments and visits are essential More emphasis on leadership skills in training Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 10

11 Diploma of Children s Services Certificate III in Children s Services 5. Employers views on demand for graduates The importance of early childhood educators to hold qualifications 97% 3% Essential Important 44% 54% Essential Important Desirable Percentage of new staff that are graduates 2% % of new staff that are graduates Less than 50% 50 to 74% 75 to 99% 100% Number of employers indicating response for Certificate III (% of total) 36 (44%) 12 (15%) 13 (16%) 20 (25%) Number of employers indicating response for Diploma (% of total) 45 (60%) 10 (13%) 6 (8%) 14 (19%) Early childhood educator recruitment Number of child care educators recruited 0 Less than 5 5 to 9 10 to 19 Employer response for team members (Certificate III) recruited over the last 12 months Employer response for expected team members (Certificate III) recruitment over the next 12 months Employer response for team leaders (Diploma) recruited over the last 12 months Employer response for expected team leader (Diploma) recruitment over the next 12 months Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 11

12 New staff recruited and training through a traineeship % of new staff recruited through a traineeship 0% 1 to 24% 25 to 49% 50% or more Number of employers indicating response for Certificate III Number of employers indicating response for Diploma Training of existing staff 81% Number of employees graduated in the last 12 months 0 Less than 5 5 to 9 10 to or more of employers trained one or more existing staff over the last 12 months Number of employers indicating response for Certificate III Number of employers indicating response for Diploma Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 12

13 Diploma of Children s Services Certificate III in Children s Services Diploma of Children s Services Certificate III in Children s Services 6. Graduate employment outcomes Graduates who were employed before commencing their course 51% of graduates were employed prior to enrolling 46% of these were not in a child care related role 51% of these transitioned into employment in child care after graduating 77% of graduates were employed prior to enrolling 14% of these were not in a child care related role 50% of these transitioned into employment in child care after graduating Graduates who were unemployed before commencing their course 49% of graduates were unemployed prior to enrolling 56% of these gained employment after graduating 70% of those who gained employment transitioned into a child care role 23% of graduates were unemployed prior to enrolling 61% of these gained employment after graduating 90% of those who gained employment transitioned into a child care role Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 13

14 7. Graduate satisfaction with training services Certificate III in Children s Services 94% 94% 93% 93% 42% were satisfied overall with their training would recommend the course to others received sufficient and relevant practical training received training that prepared them well for work enrolled into another course after completing their training 1 Diploma of Children s Services 95% 96% 88% 93% 26% were satisfied overall with their training Work placement would recommend the course to others received sufficient and relevant practical training received training that prepared them well for work enrolled into another course after completing their training 2 Certificate III in Children s Services 82% 95% completed a work placement during their course agreed that their work placement enabled them to apply the skills learned in the course 20 or more days 11% 10 to 19 days 24% 65% Less than 10 days Duration of work placement Diploma of Children s Services 52% 97% completed a work placement during their course agreed that their work placement enabled them to apply the skills learned in the course 20 or more days 18% 10 to 19 days 14% 68% Less than 10 days Duration of work placement 1 Many of these respondents enrolled in other community services courses at a Diploma or Bachelor level. 75% of respondents who enrolled in another course enrolled into the Diploma of Early Childhood Education. 2 Many of these respondents enrolled in other community services or teaching related courses at a Advanced Diploma or Bachelor level. Fifteen respondents had enrolled into a Bachelor level qualification relating to Early Childhood Education. Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 14

15 8. Training provider data Nine providers accounted for 86% of Certificate III enrolments with four providers enrolling 70% of all students. 14 providers enrolled less than 100 students and nine of these less than 50. Three providers accounted for 73% of Diploma enrolments. 12 training providers enrolled less than 100 students with 10 of these enrolling less than 50 students. Course duration 23% 25% 16% Certificate III in Children s Services Less than 3 months 3 to 6 months 6 to 9 months average course duration 7.8 months 31% 20% Diploma of Children s Services Less than 3 months 6 to 9 months average course duration 9 months 21% 22% 9 to 12 months 12 to 18 months Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 15

16 Diploma of Children s Services Certificate III in Children s Services Enrolment outcomes The status of 3,767 Certificate III enrolments created in period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 as at February ,777 1, Student enrolled but no unit of competency completed Student completed at least one unit of competency, but has not withdrawn or graduated Student withdrawn or completed at least one unit of competency but with no activity for more than 90 days Leave From Enrolment Qualification Issued The status of 1,322 Diploma enrolments created in period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 as at February Student enrolled but no unit of competency completed Student completed at least one unit of competency, but has not withdrawn or graduated Student withdrawn or completed at least one unit of competency but with no activity for more than 90 days Leave From Enrolment Qualification Issued Results for completed units of competency 73% 20% 1% 6% Pass Academic pass Fail Recognition of Prior Learning 67% 14% 2% 17% Pass Academic pass Fail Recognition of Prior Learning Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 16

17 Completion rates 3 Certificate III in Children s Services 48% 50% 2% Average completion rate 4 Average To be determined 6 withdrawal rate 5 Diploma of Children s Services 56% 39% 5% Average completion rate 4 Average To be determined 6 withdrawal rate 5 Certificate III in Children s Services Completion rate Number of providers 50% or less % % % 4 Diploma of Children s Services Completion rate Number of providers 50% or less % % 2 3 Completion and withdrawal rates calculated from analysis of Training Accounts for 3,767 / 1,322 enrolments in the Certificate III and Diploma of Children s Services created in period 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 as at February Completion rate = total qualifications issued divided by total Training Accounts created in the period 5 Withdrawal rate = total of Closed Training Accounts and Training Accounts which are Active with Activity but with no activity for more than 90 days and Training Accounts that are Active with No Activity divided by the total number of Training Accounts created in the period 6 To be determined = number of Training Accounts Active with Activity within 90 days prior to February 2015 Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 17

18 Diploma of Children s Services Certificate III in Children s Services 9. Student demographics Age by gender M 5% F 95% to to to to to to 64 over M 3% 209 F 97% to to to to to to 64 over 65 Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 18

19 Student qualifications prior to commencement Certificate III in Children s Services 59% 25% 9% did not hold a VET qualification held a Certificate II or Certificate III Diploma of Children s Services held a Bachelor degree or higher 26% 59% 6% did not hold a VET qualification held a Certificate II or Certificate III held a Bachelor degree or higher School based students Certificate III in Children s Services 8% 85% 10% of students were enrolled at school were Training Guarantee for SACE Students (TGSS) were school based apprentices Diploma of Children s Services <1% % of students were enrolled at school 100% were school based apprentices Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 19

20 Certificate III in Children s Services Residency status Student locations 19% 79% 2% Australian citizens Permanent residents On a pathway to Permanent Residency 30% 70% Metropolitan regions Non-metro regions 49% 19% 17% 17% of metro students were from the Northern Adelaide Region of non-metro students were from the Barossa, Light and Lower North of non-metro students were from the Murray and Mallee region of non-metro students were from the Limestone Coast region Diploma of Children s Services Residency status Student locations 19% 82% <1% Australian citizens Permanent residents On a pathway to Permanent Residency 28% 72% Metropolitan regions Non-metro regions 51% 24% 16% 15% of metro students were from the Northern Adelaide Region of non-metro students were from the Barossa, Light and Lower North of non-metro students were from the Yorke and Mid- North region of non-metro students were from the Eyre and Western region Independent Validation of Assessment - Industry Report Child Care Industry Certificate III and Diploma Page 20