For the last decade education policy in England has been underpinned by a dichotomisation of education into STEM versus Arts. The rationale is that STEM graduates gain more lucrative employment via the desirability of the 'STEM skills' which it is stated are increasingly in demand and imperative for economic prosperity. Through a literature review…

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is pivotal in fostering innovation and promoting Germany's position in global industries and in several sectors. This paper explores selected cases of STEM education and STEM related VET in Germany, focusing on how learning outcomes are aligned with the evolving demands of a…

Since the mid 1990s vocational and education and training systems across Europe have had to respond to a number of external factors which have transformed the demand for skills. This paper examines the way in which VET systems have responded to the external factors and increase their resilience in the face of external shocks of one kind or…

We analyse labour demand and mismatch for educational traits in information and communication technology (ICT) occupations, taking into account the areas of education, occupations and skills in demand, and the supply of labour. We based our analysis on almost 40 million online job offers and a CAWI survey of people aged 18-65 in Poland. The…

Purpose: Since new digital micro-credential technologies emerged a decade ago, there has been a rapid rise in micro-credentials in the education landscape. Much has been promised about these educational technologies, yet there is much confusion by key stakeholders in the digital micro-credential ecosystem. This confusion has led to significant…

Over the past 35 years, a range of 'new' policy actors and networks has emerged from the private sector under the rationale of efficient, free-market alternatives to traditional public policymakers. Under a critical policy studies framework, this paper uses discourse analysis and interviews with key stakeholders to examine how one regional…

As part of its support to the European Union (EU) skills agenda and strategy, Cedefop started in 2016 to provide direct support to its Member States to strengthen their skills intelligence policies and systems. A first round of "Skills governance country reviews" has been concluded in four countries: Greece, Slovakia, Bulgaria and…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the formal workplace learning situation in Nepal and argue that workplace learning is not in priority in Nepali Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) despite a regular policy emphasis. Design/methodology/approach: Data were gathered using both desk-based review of pre-diploma and…

The proper alignment between supply of Vocational Education and Training (VET) and labour market demand is critical to successfully achieve VET's main benefits, such as reduction of academic dropout rates, unemployment reduction and economic growth. This article presents the study carried out in Leiria region (Portugal) to define VET areas…

This final report on the thematic country reviews (TCRs) on upskilling pathways conducted in Italy from 2021 to 2023 serves as a valuable resource for policy-makers, social partners, and all stakeholders involved in the upskilling process. It summarises the outcomes of the three phases of the research and discusses areas for actions. This report…

Context: Thailand is facing skilled labour shortages, which has prevented the country from achieving significant economic progress. This paper examines Thailand's vocational education policy discourses from 1992 to 2014 and how successful such policies were in building the country's skilled labour force. Approach: This study utilised a qualitative…

Purpose: This study reviews China's labor education theories and policies to reveal the main objectives, contents, and methods of the new era, as well as analyzes future development in labor education. Design/Approach/Methods: In addition to reviewing the relevant labor education theories, this study examines China's labor education policies using…

Background and Aim: There have been significant higher education curriculum reform initiatives over the past 30 years across different global regions in response to a range of drivers such as employability, global citizenship, and sustainability. In professions such as engineering, a key focus has been on holistic graduate attribute development…

To help all students and jobseekers better navigate the rapidly changing job market and make informed choices about their educational and career paths, the United States must make systemic reforms and strategic investments in career services and navigational supports. Drawing on the insights of leading practitioners from education and workforce…

Research conducted by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center), Fab Foundation and FHI 360, in partnership with more than 150 national and international experts and leaders from 28 states, found that to prepare their future workforces, governors and state leaders must develop a comprehensive agenda made up of three…