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Vocational Education and Training

This chapter begins by offering a definition of vocational education and training (VET) followed by a discussion of the economic and political forces that shape the VET sector and an examination of the relationship between vocational and higher education. The chapter goes on to provide a comparison of the VET systems in different countries. VET qualifications, accreditation and credentials are looked at and the discussion broadens to cover VET curriculum, learners and teachers. The chapter concludes with a discussion of tensions within VET, including the problematic nature of competency based training and assessment, the tension between VET and higher education in terms of status and whether VET is effective in meeting the needs of the unemployed and disadvantaged. However, the main concern expressed in this chapter is about the nature of VET in as much as it is the main sector of education offered by the state to working people. It is essential that the education offered by VET responds to change and provides an education that is worthwhile.