This publication is based on the 2016 Society for Vocational Psychology (SVP) Biennial Conference, that was held at the Florida State University on May 16-17, 2016. The conference theme was "Integrating Theory, Research, and Practice in Vocational Psychology." The conference content and the resulting edited book are based on the…

Stereotypes prevail: many Europeans still opt for a vocational educational pathway as second choice when deciding about a future career. Despite being high on European and national policy agendas for more than a decade, and despite all efforts made, VET is no more attractive in most countries today than it was some years ago. Building on a system…

Academic standards describe the knowledge and skills that students should acquire while in traditional academic disciplines. Workplace skill standards define the knowledge and skills required to work successfully in a particular field or occupation. Standards are being generated from reform efforts to promote standards-based education and efforts…

This monograph provides a status report on issues related to accountability, including standards and assessments, data systems, and the role of incentives for schools, teachers, and students in improving student achievement. Using information gathered from the literature and interviews with state administrators of vocational education, this paper…

The development of sectoral training systems in two economic sectors--the printing industry and the sector of health care in hospitals--was examined in a study that entailed parallel research projects in five European countries: Belgium, Latvia, The Netherlands, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The study was based on the assumption that the…

This paper is the result of a request from the European Commission Directorate General XXII for an in-depth study into the vocational education and training system in one of the countries of the New Independent States of Mongolia. This document examines those parts of the Kyrgyz education system with direct links to Vocational Education and…

Studies of vocational education and training (VET) students' movement into higher education (HE) typically show that VET students granted admission perform at least as well as other admitted applicants; however, such students are often less likely to gain admission in the first place. A move toward competency-based training (CBT) and a concomitant…

Law and policy regarding vocational education and training (VET) in Australia was systematically examined to explore these three hypotheses: (1) Australian law and policy on VET have not evolved in a systematic manner; (2) they also do not provide a coherent and internally consistent program for VET in Australia; and (3) they do not provide…

In Sweden, initial vocational education (IVT) is financed by public money and is designed to provide basic skills and general qualifications to perform certain functions in an occupation. Continuing vocational training (CVT) is provided primarily by public school institutions, private enterprises, and training companies, trade unions, and employer…

Recognition of the need for lifelong learning that is accessible to all Australians underpins the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system. The Australian Qualifications Framework is a nationally consistent framework that allows for credit transfer and articulation between Australia's schools, VET, and universities. The Australian…

Existing research on vocational education and training (VET) for entry-level employment in Australia was reviewed. According to the review, research on entry-level VET has enhanced knowledge related to the following: competence requiring knowledge and understanding as well as performance; graded standards-based assessment; problems of policy…

This document contains the analytical reports and case studies presented at a 1992 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development policy seminar that focused on assessment, certification, and recognition of skills and qualifications in vocational education and training. The following papers are included: "The Issues" (Hilary…

Reports analyzing vocational-technical education (VTE) in individual member countries of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation Development (OECD) were reviewed to identify changes in the role of VTE in the context of technological and structural change, economic crisis, and uncertainty. Major transformations in VTE affecting its organization,…

General education and professional education are both important in a learning society. Pedagogy has devoted all its attention to developing general education while regarding professional education as a type of nonobligatory education. From the beginning, general education and professional education have been divided, with the former oriented…

Continuing vocational training (CVT) was officially introduced and codified in France in 1971 to promote individuals' employability, career development, and job flexibility. Self-directed learning was initially considered among the most important instruments for its implementation in addition to employer-directed CVT. Despite increased and…