1301.0 - ABS Feature Articles, 2001  
ARCHIVED ISSUE Released at 11:30 AM (CANBERRA TIME) 25/01/2001   
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Education since Federation



The term 'education' has traditionally been used to denote the processes of obtaining knowledge, aptitudes, skills, or socially valued qualities of character and behaviour. Education is regarded as a lifelong process, initiated at birth, developed in schooling and subsequent formal pathways of learning, and continued thereafter. 'Training' is a more specific type of learning, whereby certain skills are developed for subsequent application in the workplace. The value of training lies in its practical relevance.

Historically, education has usually been conducted in formal institutions such as schools and universities, while training occurred in vocationally focused institutions or in the workplace. However, in recent times the distinction between education and training has been diminishing, with education extending beyond the formal institutions, and training extending beyond vocational institutions and the workplace. Training is becoming available in schools, with senior secondary school students able to study for vocational certificates as part of their school work. Both education and training are now perceived to be parts of a lifelong learning process that enables individuals to take their places in a skilled and changing labour force, to lead fulfilling lives, and to become active members of the community.





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