Abstract:
While most studies on learning communities have focused on rural or remote regional areas,
this paper outlines recent research focussed on learning communities in urban areas’. The
study was undertaken by the Research Centre for Vocational Education and Training
(RCVET now OVAL Research) at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS). Four urban
communities identified as experiencing a high level of disadvantage were selected from each
of four Australian states. In each of the four communities Vocational Education and Training
(VET) providers had been involved in a learning partnership within that community. The
study focussed on the participation of VET providers in responding to disadvantage in urban
communities while specifically examining how the equity strategies of VET providers are
incorporated in approaches to community capacity in urban areas. An objective of the study
was to link into emerging policy interest in expanding lifelong learning potential through the
development of ‘learning communities’. While a brief outline of the research process and
references to the final integrating report are included this paper concentrates on the four case
studies and the emerging themes.
