This article showcases the Polish validation system through the lens of Critical Discourse Analysis and two models of lifelong learning--the economic and humanistic one, treated as competitive narratives on lifelong learning. We argue that some contradictions can be observed, generated by a clash between the two approaches, as the validation…

Learners who learn from OER often cannot have their learning assessed or receive a credential. Open credentials offer a potential solution to this problem, combining badges or micro-credentials with competence frameworks and digital seals. This study identified the current situation of open credentials in post-secondary education in Europe, the…

A major focus of sociological research is on the role of the credential as a 'currency of opportunity', mediating the relationship between education and occupational destinations. However, the labour market has largely remained a 'black box' in sociological and education policy studies. This article draws on 'big data' from over 21,000,000 job…

This article examines the fit (or lack thereof) between the competencies needed by the sport industry and the proficiency of sport management students. The authors apply importance-performance analysis as a strategic management tool to analyze the results of two competence-oriented datasets in a German context. They find that students'…

It has been widely argued that journal metrics are used in assessing publication records on resumes for academic jobs and assessments. Within that debate, two important considerations emerge. Firstly, academics belonging to different career cohorts may have different experiences which are reflected in their recommendations related to targeting and…

School- and college-based vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) in England are required to award successful candidates a grade rather than simple pass or fail. Ensuring the reliability and validity of these grades is considered vital, particularly in light of the high-stakes purposes for which school assessment results in England are…

Higher education in the UK is pressured to widen participation due to the social justice issues of mobility and movement through the class divide. However, those from lower classes and mature students elect for qualifications that do not classically allow entry into university, for example, the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) and…

Apprenticeships are a key training route to help young people enter the labour market and for upskilling existing workers. Apprenticeships also have the potential to act as a vehicle for social mobility for young people (SMC, 2020). Significant reforms have been introduced to the apprenticeship system over the last decade which have led to a…

This publication provides a summary of the outcomes of international students who completed a nationally recognised vocational education and training (VET) qualification in Australia during 2020 using data collected in mid-2021. These students were surveyed as an additional component to the 2021 National Student Outcomes Survey. Information is…

During recent years there have been many changes in education and assessment. This document tracks some of the changes that have occurred to education in England between 2000 and 2010. The start date was chosen as it coincided with the start of a new curriculum and a major change to A levels. The end date corresponds to the start of the coalition…

In this collection, different experts from a range of backgrounds consider the current plan to defund many Business and Technician Education Councils (BTECs) and other popular Level 3 Applied General qualifications. Together, the chapters argue this could close off a useful and proven route for students from a wide range of backgrounds, including…

This publication provides a summary of data relating to students, programs, subjects and training providers in Australia's government-funded vocational education and training (VET) system, defined as all Commonwealth and state or territory government-funded training delivered by technical and further education (TAFE) institutes, other government…

Purpose: The study aims to consider the multiple affordances of micro-credentials as a means of creating agency and making a positive contribution to the human experience, through the voices of practitioners and stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach: Multiple case study, narrative inquiry, using Reflexive Thematic Analysis to identify themes…

The problem is that the recruitment and retention of special education teachers in autistic units represents a challenge nationwide, especially with the steady increase of students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The current efforts and strategies to address the public school system's shortage of qualified special education teachers have…

To deal with the dynamic nature of global and socioeconomic conditions, it is critical to rethink the interplay between the efficiency of the higher education system and the employability outcomes of graduates. The purpose of this study was to investigate trends in undergraduate enrolment, graduation, and employment in Ethiopia. It looked at data…