Westernport training enterprise feasibility study: data

The Westernport training enterprise research project on literacy & numeracy, for the Department of Victorian Communities and Salvation Army, was a feasibility study to determine whether or not the establishment of a self-sustaining enterprise business was viable. A business plan to examine whether 15-16 year old young people who were disengaged from school could both work and learn at the same time was completed. Those young people in parts of Westernport who are facing employment problems as a result of perceived low literacy and numeracy skills had these skills investigated to see in particular, how they relate to disadvantage and social inclusion. Investigators from Monash University, David Zyngier, Glenn Auld and Wee Tiong Seah, recorded interviews with teachers and students, and then developed a tool based on Regio Emilia discourse analysis research methodology, using a digital response technique. Each participating student took 20-30 photographs of the written document on any occasion that they used written word or numbers. (20 digital cameras were available.) During the process of assessing literacy, numeracy and social inclusion, these photographs were loaded to laptops and discussion of each photo was recorded. Comparative analysis of perceived and actual capabilities of the young people was undertaken using digital transcripts of the interviews and the commentaries on the photographs. The researchers concluded, that based on this evidence, no business case could be made for setting up the Westernport training enterprise. This outcome meant that for a small cost, the community has been saved a large expense.