Professor Hager has been involved in vocational education for over 30 years, with his major focus being the professional development of vocational teachers and trainers. Over the last fifteen years he has concentrated on contributing to Australia's expanding research program in vocational education and training. He was a joint author of the 1992 report No Small Change: Proposals for a Research and Development Strategy for Vocational Education and Training in Australia. This report highlighted the paucity of research in the area of vocational education and training and preparing the way for the subsequent burgeoning research program in Australia.