The modernisation of vocational education and training is driven by the need to respond to socioeconomic challenges, with relatively little input from research. As Cedefop argues in its recent research report, Modernising vocational education and training, this carries the risk that the efforts to modernise VET will not achieve the desired results.
This report, the fourth in Cedefop’s research series, shows how socioeconomic pressures push vocational education and training (VET) systems to change. But it also shows how VET itself can be a factor for change: it supports economic development, encourages innovation and productivity in companies, and helps provide the skills that employers and employees need.
The report recommends that research on European VET issues should mirror the priorities set by policy-makers to a greater extent than is now the case.
Rather than reviewing policies and practices, research should identify “which measures work, under which conditions and for whose benefit”. This will allow researchers to provide evidence that will ground policies and underpin practice in the field.
Conversely, applied research and evaluations can help policy-makers shape policies and analyse their effectiveness. A lack of a strong evidence base may lead to trial-and-error approaches, which Europe can ill afford.
Research in vocational education and training can help answer policy questions such as:
a) The economic and social advantages that employers can gain from training
b) Interdependencies between ageing, work and learning
c) The ways in which training can promote social inclusion and social cohesion
d) The consequences of the shift to learning outcomes in qualifications systems for curriculum development and education methods.
e) The impact of qualifications frameworks
f) The future demand for teachers and trainers.
Modernising vocational education and training. Fourth report on vocational education and training research in Europe: synthesis report.