Effective models of employment-based training

Evolving models of employment-based training (EBT) are responding to skill shortages and the need to develop technical skills at a level higher than a certificate III—the benchmark qualification level considered by many as the minimum for ensuring sustainable job outcomes (Stanwick 2004). This research explored a variety of current employment-based training models and proposed five enhancements for higher-level qualifications. These changes concentrate on maintaining a balance of learning experiences between educational institutions and the workplace. The project was based around case studies in process manufacturing and child care. Thirty-three individuals, representing employers, employees/apprentices, vocational education and training (VET) providers, industry bodies and training package developers were interviewed. The issues and views expressed by those interviewed from both industries were consistent with what was found in the literature review. Current models of employment-based training can usefully be grouped as: two forms of 'fast-tracking' options in a formal apprenticeship model, especially at certificate III level, to address immediate skills shortages. These are accelerated progression models (shorter durations linked to a truly competency-based approach) and intensive up-front training, followed by work-based learning to ensure immediate productivity of the learner in the workplace higher-level VET qualifications gained either through an apprenticeship or by undertaking a vocational course the design of new skill sets/qualifications at various levels of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) alternative provisions for young people. Although these models continue to make a significant contribution to the skilling of the Australian workforce, their full potential is limited by certain persistent issues. These include inconsistent regulatory arrangements, non-compliance by employers and registered training organisations, poor audit processes, variations in the interpretation and practice of competency-based training, and wages and awards. These various factors mean poor completion rates and losses for individuals, employers, governments and other stakeholders. Recent changes in policy direction are attempting to address some of these issues and simultaneously increase interest and growth in the uptake of employment-based training. Any new models of employment-based training should address existing problems, as well as take into account the emerging needs of industry for skilled labour. The design of the models must also address an ageing workforce and allow flexible entry points for all age groups. Furthermore, future employment-based training models also need to keep pace with how work is organised in an environment characterised by increased competition, outsourcing, casualisation and an emphasis on specialisation and innovation. What is becoming apparent is the need for a compendium of models, rather than a 'one size fits all' approach

The Ursinus Weekly, May 17, 1954

Post poll day elections held • Curtain Club chooses \u2754-55 group leaders • Fine bowling old chap • Singley Music Club prexy • Rice lectures in Germany • Ron Fisher honored in paper • Y sponsored square dance • Harris new WAA prexy • Paolone to preside over \u2754-55 Ursinus MSGA • Could May Day be bettered with help? • Debaters to revel tonight at Lakeside • Chi Alpha picnic • Frankenfield new junior class treasurer • Editorials • See a penny, pick it up • UC dolls drub Bryn Mawr 28-1; JV batgals outhit Drexel 12-11 • Todd Hall\u27s glorious past • Band: Myth to reality • Collegeville-Trappe story: Political set-up • Eshbach cuts 220 hurdle time to 24.4 to set new mark; Herwig wins two • Ehlers hits for cycle as Neborak halts Fords 15-1 • Burger acclaimed outstanding athlete: Varsity Club honors most valuable players, seniors • Hitting slump plagues batsmen; Bows to Dickinson & Moravian • Subway series to feature Curtis teams • Belles lose tennis match on hardwoods • Cross unbeaten; Netgals trip Drexel • Settles second, Esh\u27s 2 fourths give Bears 8th • Courtmen edged by Drexel 5-4; Rally to bank Optometry 9-0 • We remember: David M. Rucciushttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/1498/thumbnail.jp

ASCEND-Eye: effects of omega-3 fatty acids on diabetic retinopathy

Purpose: Preclinical studies support a protective role for omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) on diabetic retinopathy (DR), but these observations have not been confirmed in randomized trials. We present randomized evidence for the effects of omega-3 FAs on DR outcomes. Design and Participants: A sub-study of the ASCEND (A Study of Cardiovascular Events iN Diabetes) double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 1g omega-3 fatty acids (containing 460mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 380mg docosahexaenoic acid) daily for the primary prevention of serious cardiovascular events, in 15,480 UK adults at least 40 years of age, with diabetes. Methods: Linkage to electronic NHS Diabetic Eye Screening Programme records in England and Wales, and confirmation of participant-reported eye events via medical record review. Logrank and stratified logrank methods were used for intention-to-treat analyses of time until the main outcomes of interest. Main Outcome Measures: The primary efficacy endpoint was time to the first postrandomization recording of referable disease, a composite of referable retinopathy (R2 or R3a/ s) or referable maculopathy (M1) based on the grading criteria defined by the UK National Screening Committee. Secondary and tertiary outcomes included the referable disease outcome stratified by the severity of DR at baseline, any progression in retinopathy grade, and incident diabetic maculopathy. Results: Linkage data were obtained for 7360 participants (48% of those who were randomized in ASCEND). During their mean follow-up of 6.5 years, 548 [14.8%] had a referable disease event in the omega-3 FAs group, compared to 513 [13.9%] in the placebo group (rate ratio 1.07; 95% confidence interval: 0.95-1.20; P = 0.29). There were no statistically significant between-group differences in the proportion of events for either of the secondary or tertiary outcomes. Discussion: Representing the first large-scale, prospective test of its kind, these data exclude any clinically meaningful benefits of 1g daily omega-3 FAs on DR