Technical and Vocational Education and Training : An Investment-Based Approach

Vocational education is central to the plans of policy makers around the world; it underpins the development of the poorest economies, and the continued competitiveness of the richest. Technical and Vocational Education and Training debates the key issues:* How far can the same principles be applied to vocational learning in universities, colleges, schools and the workplace?* Do the needs of learners and the needs of the economy always coincide? Should teachers focus on the delivery of skills or the development of cultures?* What will determine whether what is learnt corresponds to what is taught?* Who are the stakeholders in vocational learning, and can they all be satisfied at once?* What does it really mean to say that vocational provision is a kind of investment?Drawing on contemporary, internationally-significant case studies in water education, management education and education for sustainable development along with UNESCO's International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Gough provides a challenging discussion.

Stephen Gough is Head of UNESCO-UNEVOC Centre in the Department of Education at the University of Bath, UK.