Cedefop’s fourth report on VET (2009) research examines European VET policy priorities for modernising VET from a research perspective. It also takes a critical look at the drivers for and challenges to VET modernisation.Cedefop’s fourth report on VET (2009) research examines European VET policy priorities for modernising VET from a research perspective. It also takes a critical look at the drivers for and challenges to VET modernisation.

To strengthen the evidence base for policy making in the Copenhagen process, Cedefop has gathered research to examine VET policy priorities in its fourth report on VET research ‘Modernising vocational education and training’. Taking a medium term perspective, the report analyses how the labour market and demographic ageing pressures affect VET; its criticality to enterprise competitiveness and its role in promoting social inclusion and cohesion. Four major areas of VET policy development are also researched: policies for promoting VET attractiveness, the implementation of qualification frameworks and the shift to learning outcomes; the professional development of VET teachers and trainers; and advice, guidance and counselling policies and practices.

The fourth research report, comprises three publications:

‘Modernising vocational education and training’ is the fourth in a series of regular reports on vocational education and training research published by Cedefop.