Decarbonization and the energy transition require many workers in the incumbent energy industry to transform their knowledge base and skills. Upskilling and reskilling programs that address the skills gap and offer opportunities for continued education are critical for workforce development and social equity. We evaluated if six online energy…

Job automation is a topical issue in a technology-driven labor market. However, greater amounts of human capital (e.g., often measured by education, and information-processing skills, including adult literacy) are linked with job security. A knowledgeable and skilled labor force better resists unemployment and/or rebounds from job disruption…

The "Escuela de Ingenieros Industriales de Barcelona (School of Industrial Engineers of Barcelona)" (EIIB) was founded in 1851 within the context of a reorganisation of technical education in Spain. From 1867 to 1899 it was the only Industrial Engineering school in the country, which emphasises its relevance in the development and…

The role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Human Capital Development (HCD) and Lifelong Learning (LLL) is more critical than ever in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing world. These organisations bridge educational gaps, promote inclusivity, and empower individuals through innovative approaches to learning and employment. The…

Purpose: This paper shares findings from a constructivist grounded theory study, exploring Trainee Teachers' perceptions of their teaching and learning experienced during university-based teacher education programmes, specifically the theoretical components. Findings led to the development of a model of program design, pedagogy and teaching…

T his paper presents an assessment of suggestions in international research and media that the modern construction cadetship experience is exploitative and, on that basis, problematises the growing trend of work integrated learning (WIL) in the Australian construction industry. Field research, aligning with the methodologies of major studies in…

The rising prominence of micro-credentials started during the COVID-19 pandemic, where online resources offered competency-building opportunities for the work-from-home (WFH) human capital. During this pandemic, traditional universities faced total halt to face-to-face lectures, but ways paved for open and distance learning (ODL) universities to…

Our recently completed research project investigated strategies being used by Wisconsin rural school districts to address educator shortages, including a diverse set of "grow your own" (GYO) initiatives such as Educators Rising that involve partnerships with educator preparation programs (EPPs) and other local partners to identify,…

Rural America has long been perceived as "left behind" by policies that leave it struggling while benefiting bustling urban cities and suburbs. That narrative holds some truth: rural America has a declining population, along with lower educational attainment and lower workforce participation than urban America. But while rural America…