Widely regarded as a pioneer in promoting the value of research in the vocational education and training sector, the influence of Berwyn Clayton’s work is significant and ongoing. Since joining the sector as a teacher 31 years ago, Berwyn has also worked as a curriculum development manager, a professional developer, an evaluator and a practitioner-researcher. She is committed to, and an advocate of, the development and provision of improvements to professional practice.

Berwyn’s VET career started at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT), where she worked for 24 years. In the late 1990s, Berwyn established the Centre Undertaking Research in Vocational Education (CURVE) which was, at the time, the only dedicated research centre within a TAFE institute. She was appointed CURVE’s founding director – a role she held for 10 years. Berwyn was a founding member of the Australian Vocational Education and Training Research Association, and was its President between 2000 and 2004. In 2006, the Association established the biennial Berwyn Clayton Award, given for distinguished service. Berwyn’s contributions to student and teaching outcomes in the sector were recognised in 2001 when she was made a Fellow of the Australian College of Educators.

In 2008, Berwyn was named the Director of Victoria University’s Work-based Education Research Centre, a role she still holds today. Her contributions to the sector continue to be recognised at the highest levels. The National Centre for Vocational Education Research  named her its 2011 Researcher of the Year, and in 2012 she was the first recipient of Victoria University’s Chancellor’s Medal in recognition of her role in enhancing the university’s reputation in teaching, learning and research.

Besides her researching and advocacy work, Berwyn is a passionate and in-demand public speaker and writer. She has represented, and continues to represent, the sector through a range of national forums and committees and is an Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Training Research. She has shared the outcomes of her work through extensive keynote presentations, journal articles, conference publications, papers and contributions to research texts, as well as the delivery of dozens of workshops.

Over recent years, Berwyn’s work has been focussed on the capabilities of both providers and teachers, maintenance of currency with industry, retention, assessment, management and delivery of higher education. She advises policy makers, leaders, practitioners and providers within the sector.

While Berwyn’s work is now largely in the research field, she continues to support learners and teachers. She mentors VET practitioners as they move into research-based work, and led the establishment of Victoria University’s Masters of Education (VET), which saw its first graduates in 2011. She has taught, or contributed to the teaching of, three units at the masters level. Berwyn has also advised or assisted with supervising masters and doctoral level students.

As she moves to a new phase in her life Victoria University has recognised her work by appointing her Emeritus Professor.