Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts, Keele University 
• Master of Arts, University of London 
• Master of Business (Human Resource Management), Charles Sturt University 
• Graduate Diploma of VET, Charles Sturt University 
• PhD, University of Technology (Sydney)

Areas of interest

• Vocational education and training (VET) policy 
• The VET teaching workforce 
• Training in workplaces 
• Competency-based training 
• School-to-work transition 
• International developments in VET 
• Student movement between VET and higher education 

Areas of expertise

Erica has experience working in policy development and advice with governments at State and national levels, with employer and employee peak bodies, and with apprenticeship intermediary organisations.

She has worked with many international organisations in research projects and dialogue, including the International Labour Organization (an agency of the Unted Nations), the OECD, Cedefop (an agency of the EU), the World Bank, and the InterAmerican Development Bank.

Erica has been a ministerial appointment to several government committees including the VET FeeHELP reform group, the National Careers Institute Advisory Board and the VET Workforce Blueprint 

Grants

• 2023, Smith, E. & Somers, P. Role of industry in teaching and learning. Victorian Skills Authority/AVETRA. ($23,760) 
• 2021–2022, Smith, E., Callan, V., Smith, A. Robinson, R. & Snell, D. Careers in everyday industries: Potential benefits of increased visibility, National Careers Institute Industry Partnership Grants, NCIPI000505. ($151,679)
• 2021, Smith, E. Research and paper on ‘Improving the attractiveness and social perception of apprenticeships.’ For international project on ‘Apprenticeships Development for Universal Lifelong Learning and Training (ADULT)’. International Labour Organization, Geneva. ($13,100).   https://www.ilo.org/skills/projects/adult/WCMS_861713/lang--en/index.htm  
• 2020, Smith, E. VET Teaching Workforce in Australia, Korea Research Institute for VET (KRIVET). ($3,280). 
• 2018–2019, Smith, E. ​The role of intermediaries in apprenticeship systems​. International Labour Organization, Geneva office. ($19,663 AUD)
• 2018–2019,  Smith, E., Weadon, H., Foley, A. & Harrison, T.  Young futures: Education, training and employment decision-making in non-metropolitan areas. Department of Education and Training, Victoria, Strategic Research Seed Funding. ($50,000) 
• 2018, Smith, E. Australian component of ‘Tools for quality apprenticeships’, Skills that Work project, ILO, Geneva office. ($4,500). Published 2018.  https://www.ilo.org/publications/tools-quality-apprenticeships-guide-enterprises 
• 2017, Smith, E. & Tuck, J. Collaboration on ILO survey report of national initiatives to promote quality apprenticeships in G20 countries. International Labour Organization, Geneva office. ($28,143) 
• 2017, Smith, E. Research, Review and Development of a Revised Model of Quality Apprenticeship for Indonesia. International Labour Organization, Jakarta office. ($15,900)
• 2017, Smith, E. Research and preparation of chapter for publication on Skills and Future of Work: Strategies for Inclusive Growth in Asia and the Pacific. ILO, Bangkok office. ($3,778)
• 2015, Smith, E. ‘India’ case study on employer engagement in apprenticeships, OECD-ILO project on employer engagement in skills development. ($6,332)
• 2014, Smith, E., Yasukawa, K., Harris, R. & Tuck, J. Would more highly-qualified teachers and trainers help to address quality problems in the Australian vocational education and training system? ARC Linkage grant LP140100044. ($120,000)
• 2014, Smith, E., Callan, V., R., Smith, A. & Tuck, J. Employer training in a changed environment. NCVER nationally competitive grant. ($99,600)
• 2014, Guthrie, H., Clayton, B., Karmel, T. & Smith, E. Review of the effects of funding approaches on Service Skills qualifications and delivery in Victoria. Service Skills Victoria. ($75,000)
• 2012, Smith, E., Brennan Kemmis, R. and a team of international researchers. Possible futures for the Indian apprenticeship system. ILO and World Bank. ($66,033)
• 2012, Hodge, S., Smith, E. & Barratt-Pugh, L. Modelling learning and development industry practitioner needs. Australian Institute of Training and Development. ($22,125)
• 2012, Smith, E., Smith, A. & Walker, A. How do qualifications delivered by enterprises contribute to improved skill levels and other benefits for companies, workers and the nation? ARC Linkage grant LP120100317. ($180,000)
• 2011, Smith, E., Hampson, I., Junor, A. & Smith, A. Recognising the skill in jobs traditionally considered unskilled. ARC Linkage grant LP110200888. ($135,000)
• 2010, Smith, E. & Zammit, F. Developing a research infrastructure and capacity at NMIT (now Melbourne Polytechnic). ($13,501) 
• 2010, Smith, E. & Bush, A. Is there unmet demand for apprenticeships and traineeships? National Centre for Vocational Education Research. ($19,701) 
• 2010, Smith, E. & Teicher, J. Ways of seeing - reconceptualising skills. Service Skills Australia. ($19,438)
• 2009, Smith, E., Walker, A., Brennan Kemmis, R. & Smith, P. Understanding the psychological contract in apprenticeships/traineeships to improve retention, NCVER nationally competitive grant. ($128,150) 
• 2009, Smith, E., Brennan Kemmis, R., Payne, W. & Grace, L. (2009). New Deal - Workforce development for service industries VET practitioners, Service Skills Australia. ($103,590)

Awards

• 2023: Awarded the title Emeritus Professor by the University Council  
• 2016: Winner of Australian VET Research Association (AVETRA)’s Ray Barker award for distinguished service to VET research (Biennial award)
• 2011: Winner of AVETRA Best Journal Article award  
• 2007: Australian Learning & Teaching Council Institute citation (with Ros Brennan Kemmis) for pioneering work at a national and institutional level in the embedding of a VET sector qualification into university awards, supported by robust credit transfer pathways. These are now known as AAUT awards.  

• Teacher education for the VET sector 
• Research methods 

Specialist roles

Federation University:

• Dean of Graduate Studies 2008–2010
• Associate Dean Research Faculty of Education & Arts 2017–2019
• Chair of Curriculum Committee 2010–2012
• Member of Academic Board and various committees and working parties 2008–2020
• Convenor of Fed Uni’s Women’s Research network 2011–2017. 

Charles Sturt University:

• Deputy Presiding Officer, Academic Senate, April 2004–2006, involving chairing a number of university committees
• Chaired CSU working party on teaching and learning stands in the 1990s together with chairing various School of Education committees
• Presiding Officer, Senior Women’s Network, 2006–2007

Professional association memberships

• Co-chair, International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship (INAP) 2006–2026 http://www.inap.uni-bremen.de/ 
• National Convenor, Australian College of Deans of Education Vocational Education Group (ACDEVEG) 2012–2023 
• Board member, Australian College of Educators. 2014–2016
• Founding national convener, AVTEC (Australian VET Teacher Educators’ Colloquium), 1999–2004
• President, AVETRA (Australian VET Research Association), 2008–2010
• Secretary, AVETRA (Australian VET Research Association), 2006–2008

Monographs  

• Smith, E. Zhao, Z.& Frost-Camilleri, L. (Eds) (2025), Apprenticeships and Future Global trends, Proceedings of the 9th Conference of INAP (International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship), University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK, May 8th-9th. Shenzhen: Scholar Media Publishing. Research papers available at https://www.hksmp.com/journals/vte/catalog/category/vtespecial
• Smith, E. (2022). Improving the attractiveness and social perception of apprenticeships. Geneva: International Labour Organization (ILO).  ISBN 9789220377086. https://www.ilo.org/publications/improving-attractiveness-and-social-perception-apprenticeships 
• Smith, E., Gonon, P. & Foley, A. (Eds.) (2015) Architectures for apprenticeship: Achieving economic and social goals. Proceedings of the Sixth Conference of the International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship (INAP). Melbourne: Australian Scholarly Publishing.  
• Rauner, F. & Smith, E. (Eds.) (2010).  Rediscovering apprenticeship.  Dordrecht, The Netherlands. Springer. http://www.springer.com/978-90-481-3115-0 
• Rauner, F., Smith, E., Hauschildt, U. & Zelloth, H. (eds) (2010) (2nd edn). Innovative apprenticeships: Promoting successful school-to-work transitions. (INAP).  Berlin|: Lit Verlag.
• Smith, E., Comyn, P., Brennan Kemmis, R. & Smith, A. (2009).  High quality traineeships: identifying what works. Adelaide: NCVER.

Research reports

• Smith, E. & Somers, P. (2024). The role of industry in VET. Report submitted to the Victorian Skills Authority and the Australasian VET Research Association, January 2024. https://avetra.org.au/VSA-Project-2 DOI:  10.13140/RG.2.2.15075.98083
• Smith, E., Callan, V., Robinson, R, Smith, A. & Snell, D. (2024). Careers in everyday industries: Potential benefits of increased visibility. Report for the National Careers Institute, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.  DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.13707.20006 
• Smith, E. (2022). Improving the attractiveness and social perception of apprenticeships. Geneva: ILO. https://www.ilo.org/skills/projects/adult/WCMS_861713/lang--en/index.htm
• Smith, E. (2022) Landmarks in the Australian apprenticeship and traineeship system. Online, National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). https://www.voced.edu.au/vet-knowledge-bank-landmark-documents-apprenticeships-and-traineeships-historical-overview 
• Smith, E. (2020). The VET teaching workforce in Australia, Research report for the Korea Research Institute for VET (KRIVET) (UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre).  
• Smith, E. & Foley, A. (2019). Young futures: Education, training and employment decision-making in non-metropolitan areas. Report submitted to the Victorian Department of Education and Training, Victoria. September.  
• Smith, E. (2017). Report on tripartite workshop on a Revised Model of Quality Apprenticeship for Indonesia. Written for the International Labour Organization, Bangkok office.  
• Smith, E., Smith, A., Junor, A. & Hampson, I. (2015). Recognising the skill in jobs traditionally considered unskilled. Sydney: Manufacturing Skills Australia. Archived at https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/6973867
• Guthrie, H., Smith, E., Burt, S. & Every, P. (2014). Review of the effects of funding approaches on Service Skills qualifications and delivery in Victoria. Melbourne: Service Skills Victoria. http://behc.com.au/REPORT.pdf
• Hodge, S., Smith, E. & Barratt-Pugh, L. (2013). Modelling learning and development industry practitioner needs: Research report. Sydney: Australian Institute of Training and Development.
• Smith, E. & Zammit, F. (2011). Developing a research infrastructure and capacity at NMIT. Report commissioned by NMIT. Ballarat: University of Ballarat.  
• Smith, E. & Bush, A.  (2011). Apprenticeship and traineeship demand and supply: Employers’ views. Occasional Paper, Commissioned to inform DEEWR Expert Panel on Apprenticeship Reform. Adelaide: NCVER. (www.ncver.edu.au)
• Smith, E. & Brown, M. (2010). Young people’s views of the labour market, University of Ballarat. Available at http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/researchregister/PublicS.aspx Dept of Education, Victoria. 
• Smith, E., Grace, L. Brennan Kemmis, R. & Payne, W. (2009) The New Deal: workforce development for service industries VET practitioners. Sydney: Service Skills Australia. https://www.voced.edu.au/content/ngv:42246  

Book chapters 

• Smith, E. (2015). Using apprenticeship as a whole-of-workforce training strategy: What are the effects on training quality? In E. Smith, P. Gonon, P. & A. Foley (Eds.) Architectures for apprenticeship: Achieving economic and social goals. Melbourne: Australian Scholarly Publishing.  
• Smith, E. (2014). The context of teaching in vocational education and training (VET) in Australia, in R. Brennan Kemmis & L. Atkins, Teaching in the VET sector in Australia. Sydney: David Barlow Publishing,1-19. 
• Smith, E. (2014). Teachers working in partnership with industry, in R. Brennan Kemmis & L. Atkins, Teaching in the VET sector in Australia, Sydney: David Barlow Publishing, 131-142.
• Smith, E. & Patton, W. (2011). Employers’ management of part-time student labour. In  R. Price, P. McDonald, J. Bailey & B. Pini (Eds.) Young people and work.  Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate.  
• Smith, E. & Smith, A. (2010). Vocational Education. In G. Elliott, C. Fourali & S. Issler, Education & Social Change.  London, Continuum, 274-286.  
• Smith, E. (2010).  Apprenticeships. In P. Peterson, B. McGaw & E. Baker (Eds). International Encyclopedia of Education, 3rd edn, Vol 8, Oxford: Elsevier, pp 312-319.
• Smith, E. (2010).  Employability skills. In P. Peterson, B. McGaw & E. Baker (Eds). International Encyclopedia of Education, 3rd edn, Vol 8, Oxford: Elsevier, pp 368-375. 

Peer-reviewed conference publications 

• Smith, E. (2025). Women and apprenticeships – an Australian perspective. University of Hertfordshire Fielder Conference Centre, Hatfield, UK, 8-9 May. Apprenticeships and Future Global trends, Proceedings of the 9th Conference of INAP (International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship). In E. Smith, Z. Zhao, & L. Frost-Camilleri (Eds), Shenzhen: Scholar Media Publishing, pp. 169-174. 
• Smith, E. & Foley, A. (2021). Choosing VET as a post-school activity: What are some influences on non-metropolitan students? Recover, rethink and rebuild: All eyes on VET, 23rd Annual Conference of AVETRA, on-line, April 19-23. https://avetra.org.au/2021-Conference  
• Smith. E. (2019). Environmental sustainability practices: How adults learn. In J. Holford (Ed.), Proceedings of the SCUTREA (Standing Conference on University Teaching and Research in the Education of Adults) Adult Education 100: Reflections & Reconstructions, July 2-4 (pp. 97-106), University of Nottingham, U.K. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qUsLRh8y8fjUZcEDUS1TwnS9bHRHhT5q/view 
• Smith. E., & Foley, A. (2019). Young people’s decision-making as they leave school in non-metropolitan areas in Australia: Insights from those working with young people. In J. Holford (Ed.), Proceedings of the SCUTREA (Standing Conference on University Teaching and Research in the Education of Adults) Adult Education 100: Reflections & Reconstructions (pp. 107-14), July 2-4, University of Nottingham, U.K.
• Smith, E. (2019). Making a difference or making a dollar? Intermediary organisations in apprenticeships. 'No future for old VET': Researching for the training system/s of tomorrow’: 22nd Annual conference of AVETRA, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, June 17-18. https://www.avetra.org.au/2019-Conference
• Smith E. (2019). Competency-based training Australian style: How it exposes VET to risk. 'No future for old VET': Researching for the training system/s of tomorrow’: 22nd Annual conference of AVETRA, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, June 17-18. https://www.avetra.org.au/2019-Conference
• Smith, E. (2019). A small study of big issues in apprenticeship: Companies’ apprenticeship management practices in Australia, Contemporary Apprenticeship Reforms and Reconfigurations, 8th International INAP Conference, March 21st-22nd, Konstanz, Germany.  Proceedings edited by Deißinger, T., Hauschildt, U., Gonon, P. &  Fischer, S. ISBN 3-643-91114-8 http://www.lit-verlag.de/isbn/3-643-91114-8
• Smith, E. (2017). Teaching practices among college-based teachers of apprentices. In R. Lerman & E. Okoli (Eds) (2017), Proceedings, Modern apprenticeships: Widening their scope, sustaining their quality, 7th Research Conference of the International Network on Innovative Apprenticeship, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Washington, 1-2 October, pp. 47-53. https://www.voced.edu.au/special-collections-key-conferences
• Smith, E. & Junor, A. (2016). Using multiple iterative research methods in a national research project. ACSPRI (Australian Consortium for Political and Social Research Inc.) Social Science Methodology Conference, University of Sydney, 19-22 July.  
• Smith, E. & Yasukawa, K. (2016). Views of VET teachers, managers and students about VET teacher qualifications.  Putting VET research to work: Collaboration, Innovation, Prosperity. 19th Annual Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Conference, TAFE Northern Sydney campus, 21-22 April. http://www.avetra.org.au/pages/conference-archives-2016.html
• Smith, E., Smith. A. and Walker, A. (2015). When employers become training providers: What are some institutional issues?    Work and Learning in the Era of Globalisation:  Challenges for the 21st Century, 9th International Conference on Researching Work and Learning, School of the Arts, Singapore, 9-11 December. https://www.voced.edu.au/content/ngv%3A71962
• Smith, E., & Smith. A. (2015). Work and learning in jobs that are traditionally considered unskilled or low-skilled.    Work and Learning in the Era of Globalisation:  Challenges for the 21st Century, 9th International Conference on Researching Work and Learning, School of the Arts, Singapore, 9-11 December. https://www.voced.edu.au/content/ngv%3A71952
• Guthrie, H. & Smith, E. (2015). The effects of a radical change in funding rules for VET in Victoria, Australia. In L. Fraser and R. Mas Giralt (eds.) It’s all adult education: 42nd annual conference of SCUTREA, the Standing Conference on University Teaching and Research in the Education of Adults, University of Leeds, 7-9 July, pp 214-221. https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8CpqlADwoQlU0dyRzdwUTVralU/view?pli=1
• Smith, E., Smith. A., Walker, A. & Costa, B. (2015). Enterprise RTOs in Australia: An overview from research data. Walking the Tightrope: 18th Annual Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association Conference, Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne, 9-10 April.
• Smith, E., Yasukawa, K. & Hodge, S. (2014) Australian VET teacher education: What is the benefit of pedagogical studies at university for VET teachers? Approaches and achievements in TVET personnel professional development: Third UPI International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education & Training. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 13-14 November.  
• Junor, A., Hampson, I., Smith, E. & Smith, A. (2014). Views of skill in low-wage jobs: Australian security guards and cleaners. 28th Association of Industrial Relations Academics of Australia and New Zealand (AIRAANZ) Conference. Melbourne, 5-7 February 2014.
• Smith, E. Smith, A, Hampson, I. & Junor, A. (2014). What do senior figures in Australian VET and industrial relations think about the concept of skill in work? Informing Changes in VET Policy and Practice: The Central Role of Research, 17th Annual AVETRA Conference, Surfers Paradise, 22-24 April.
• Smith, E. & Brennan Kemmis, R. (2013). Learning to work in a globalised economy: How countries use apprenticeship systems to assist school leavers. Global learning: VETnetwork and IVETA Association 2013 International Conf., Melbourne 14-16 August. http://www.vetnetwork.mobi/tvet/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TVET-Proceedings1.pdf
• Smith, E. & Brennan Kemmis. (2013). Globalising the apprenticeship concept: How far can apprenticeship systems be compared across countries and what can be gained? Apprenticeship in a Globalised World: Premises, Promises and Pitfalls: INAP (Network on Innovative Apprenticeship) Conference, University of Witwaterstrand, Johannesburg, April 23-24. https://www.voced.edu.au/special-collections-key-conferences
• Smith, E. & Brennan Kemmis, R. (2012). Good practice in apprenticeship systems: Evidence from an international study. Collaboration in Technical and Vocational Education & Training: Second UPI International Conference on Technical and Vocational Education & Training. Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, 4-5 December. Selected for plenary presentation. http://tvetrc.upi.edu/tvetconference2012/index.php?op=proceedings
• Smith, E. (2012). 'The national custodian': How interest groups and academics combine to restrict access of working people to qualifications. The value and voice of VET research: For individuals, industry, community and the nation. 15th Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Rydges Hotel Capital Hill, Canberra, 12-13 April.
• Smith, E. (2012). Managing apprentices and managing PhD students: Current concerns and transferable tips. The value and voice of VET research: For individuals, industry, community and the nation. 15th Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Rydges Hotel Capital Hill, Canberra, 12-13 April.
• Smith, E. & Smith, A. (2011). Has Australia turned its back on international students?  Creating and Sustaining International Connections: 41st annual conference of SCUTREA, the Standing Conference on University Teaching and Research in the Education of Adults, Lancaster University, 5-7 July.
• Smith, E. Walker, A. & Brennan Kemmis, R. (2011).    The importance of the psychological contract for effective learning in apprenticeships. In Z. Zhao, F. Rauner & U. Hauschildt, Ensuring the acquisition of expertise: Apprenticeship in the modern economy, Conference proceedings, 4th INAP (Network on Innovative Apprenticeship) Conference , Beijing Normal University, May 26-27. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching & Research Press, pp 141-144. https://www.voced.edu.au/special-collections-key-conferences
• Smith, E. & Bush, A. (2011). Demand for apprenticeships and traineeships: What are the implications for the future? Research in VET:  Janus – Reflecting back, projecting forward, 14th Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne, 27-28 April.  
• Smith, E., Walker, A. & Brennan Kemmis, R.  (2011). The psychological contract in apprenticeships and traineeships: Differing perceptions. Research in VET:  Janus – Reflecting back, projecting forward, 14th Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Rendezvous Hotel, Melbourne, 27-28 April.
• Smith, E. (2010). Pedagogy not political pointscoring: How training providers teach international students. VET Research: Leading and Responding in Turbulent Times, 13th Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Surfers Paradise, 8-9 April.  
• Smith, E. & Smith, A. (2009). What are the pros and cons of gaining qualifications through work? Lifelong learning revisited: What next? 5th International Conference, Centre for Lifelong Learning, Stirling, UK, 23-26 June.
• Smith, E. (2009).  Social construction of skill viewed through the lens of training for the cleaning industry.  Aligning participants, policy and pedagogy: Tractions and tensions in VET research, 12th Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Crowne Plaza, Coogee, Sydney, 16-17 April.
• Smith, E. (2008). What senior figures in Australian VET think about traineeships? VET in context: 11th Conference of the Australian VET Research Association, Holiday Inn, Adelaide, 3-4 April.
• Smith, E. (2008). The crowded market: Agencies dealing with apprenticeships in Australia.  Situated competence development through innovative apprenticeships, Conference of the International Network on Innovative Apprenticeships, Vienna, 1-2 Feb. (Keynote speech). https://www.voced.edu.au/special-collections-key-conferences