The Tasmanian Department of Education (DoE) has undertaken a two-year project to identify and enhance successes and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian School-based Apprentices, and address barriers. The Department of Education engaged the Peter Underwood Centre to support the project through an independent evaluation. The focus of this study was to:

The research team worked collaboratively with colleagues from Aboriginal Education Services (AES) and Vocational Learning and Career Education (VLCE) in order to enhance synergies between the evaluation and the project. A major function of the research team has been as a critical friend for the Aboriginal Student Engagement – Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASE-ASbA) team, supporting project activity and the development of templates.

In addition, the research team undertook two phases of independent data collection with key stakeholders: young people, parents/carers, school staff and industry staff. The study was undertaken with care and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, participants, and stakeholders.