Technical Education In Europe

« Understanding todays' Vocational Education and Training (VET) systems requires a comprehension of the rise and development, i.e. of the foundations of topical VET. This book is one of the first publications providing a comparative view of this development in Europe. Apart from older roots, the evolution of VET systems are one trigger of the modernization of economy, society and education itself. The 28 contributions, including countries like Austria, Britain, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland of renowned authors and experts in this field are organized in three sections: Concepts which are discussing theoretical approaches towards this phenomenon. Cases which stress specific developments of VET in a certain country or region and Challenges which are contextualizing the historical perspective in a topical policy context. »--

The Steering Committee for the Plan Europe 2000, Project 1: Education, invited the working group to analyse the problems of technical and vocational education projected over the next 30 years, both at se condary school and at university level. This report summarises the findings of approximately two years' research and discussion by the group, coordinated by the undersigned. It is in fact a combined report, although one chapter - the eighth is devoted specifically to university problems. This we consider to be amply justified by the nature of the subjects discussed: it is difficult to make a clear-cut distinction between solutions on the secondary level and solutions on the post-secondary level, especially when they are projected into the future. The group organised its work as follows: it consulted the literature to the extent possible and sought replies to a comprehensive analytical questionnaire from a wide sample of experts in different countries (the composition of the sample is described in the opening section of Appendix A); it arranged many meetings with qualified persons for discussions, as well as visits by individuals or small groups to training institutions in several European countries to meet experts in this field and it took part in national and international congresses and conferen ces on technical and/or vocational training and associated problems.

Recoge: 1. What is European about vocational education and training in Europe?

The system of vocational and adult education and training in Europe offers young people and adults the opportunity to learn to play an effective part in the workplace and elsewhere in society. Vocational and adult education and training is increasingly seen as crucial to the maintenance of employment, economic growth and the social integration of disadvantaged groups. In an economy and a society which are increasingly based on knowledge and information, these tasks can only increase in importance. This book brings together contributors from different disciplines and the different countries in Europe to look at current developments and debates in the development of European education and training, including the relation between markets and institutions, learning and organisations, different programmes and sectors and the economics of education and training. The book will be of interest to students, researchers and policy makers concerned with the future of education and training in Europe.

Recoge: 1. Quality concepts and their application to vocational education and training - 2. Quality assurance and control systems in vocational education and training - 3. Quality systems in European vocational training - 4. Vocational training quality issues in Europe - 5. Conclusions and recommendations for further research.