Transforming Career Development Education in Schools

Presenter: Professor Ann Brewer, Director of Careers and Capstone Program, The Scots College

Workshop Summary  

Work-integrated learning is vital for all students, employees and employers. This presentation is about a career-focused, educational model (CEM) based on research evidence drawn from Australia and internationally. A defining feature of the CEM is a micro-credential design that includes high value work, industry relevant skills and foundational skills.

Understand the process of Certificate and Diploma pathwaying into a Degree qualification accredited within the AQF framework, incorporating flexible entry/exit options. The model is initiated in a school and out to the workplace, incorporating recognition of prior learning and time flexibility.

The key to developing and successfully deploying the model in a school setting is to appropriately test and refine it through a pilot program to be delivered in four areas, each focusing on a priority industry sector. Key features of the model are:

• Integrated HE, VET, industry-training micro-credentials;
• High value work experience;
• Curated learning pathways;
• Span of qualifications;
• Entry/exit flexibility;
• Time flexibility;
• Recognition of prior learning;
• Accreditation within the AQF Framework;
• Skills passport;
• Secondary education connection.

About the Presenter

Professor Brewer is the Director of Careers and Capstone Program at The Scots College. She is Emeritus Professor at the University of Sydney. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Commerce (Honours) from University of New South Wales and a Bachelor of Arts (Behavioural Science) from Macquarie University. Her career has spanned organisational behaviour, psychology, education, and business, as a researcher, lecturer and author. She has held numerous senior university executive roles including Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Sydney for 12 years and Dean of the University of Newcastle in Sydney.

Professor Brewer has published ten books, most recently on careers as well as leadership, coaching and mentoring. She has written over 50 publications in journals, book chapters and conference proceedings. Professor Brewer is a member of external boards, an accredited executive coach, and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.