Evaluation Projects

At the Institute, we understand the vital role evaluation and systems behaviour analysis play in enhancing the design and implementation of educational programs. We gather data on new training approaches for diverse cohorts, understanding that there is strength in diversity. We use insights from evaluation data to inform program enhancements in real time and provide recommendations that can be used inform the development of scalable versions of innovative programs. 

Our evaluation projects include:  

• Evaluation of Skills in Employment (SKIP) and Higher Apprenticeship and Traineeships Social Service Project (HATSEPP) 

Our developmental and impact evaluation of the SKIP and HATSSEP projects is providing evidence-based insights to support the continuous improvement of these innovative ‘earn & learn’ training models. Designed to address skill gaps in the community service sector, the SKIP and HATSSEP projects respond to rising, pandemic related unemployment. Insights gained via the analysis of quantitative data from participant questionnaires and qualitative data from stakeholder interviews and focus groups are assisting funders in overcoming implementation barriers and enhancing the project model.  

• Evaluation of Traineeships in Victorian Community Sector 

The Institute conducted an evaluation of the VCOSS-led Traineeships in Victorian Community Sector project, which was designed to provide students with diverse backgrounds and levels of work experience a supported training pathway into employment in the disability sector. Insights and findings from the evaluation were used to enhance the delivery of the program to the initial two cohorts and provided valuable information to support the development of a sustainable, scaled version of the innovative traineeship model. 

• Evaluation of Community Traineeships Pilot Project (CTPP) Pilot led by VCOSS 

We designed an innovative evaluation model for the VCOSS-led Community Traineeships Pilot Project, which is supporting young job seekers in areas of high youth unemployment (Dandenong, Hume and Bendigo) to undertake traineeships in the social service sector. Our evaluation model includes a developmental evaluation designed to offer ongoing feedback on project processes, a formal evaluation of student outcomes, and an assessment of the efficacy and impact of a new model of traineeships for the social service sector. We also convened an Action Research Group (ARG) comprising program participants which is helping to identify program strengths and opportunities for improvement and involving participants in the co-design of model improvements. Insights and learnings from the action research and evaluation have helped to inform the design and delivery of future programs.  

• Evaluation of Reach, Train, Employ Project 

The Reach, Train, Employ Project sought to break the cycle of long-term unemployment for people aged 50 years and older and at risk of long-term unemployment. The project was led by the Council on the Ageing (COTA), in partnership with the Department of Social Services, RMIT, Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand and WIDI. It adopted a holistic and individualised approach to addressing educational and employment barriers and providing employment pathways in the aged care and disability sectors. Our evaluation of the project included both a developmental component, to apply learnings in real time, and an impact component, to assess the outcomes. The data we gathered from students, educators, and service providers helped to enhance the program in real-time and may be used inform the design and delivery of future iterations of the program.