Vocations: The Link between Post-Compulsory Education and the Labour Market. What the Research Says For... Tertiary Education Providers & School Educators

Overview & Synopsis

This summary brings together the relevant key findings for tertiary education providers and school educators from the research program "Vocations: The Link between Post-Compulsory Education and the Labour Market." The program was comprised of three different strands: (1) pathways from VET in Schools, (2) pathways within and between vocational education and training (VET) and higher education, and (3) pathways in the labour market. Current VET qualifications are based on competency-based training, which assumes a direct link between qualifications and jobs. However, past research shows that this is often not the case. This research explores the notion of "vocational streams," which could potentially provide a better frame of reference for shaping the evolution of qualifications and jobs. Education and training in vocational capabilities, rather than in specific occupational tasks, could possibly result in a more sustainable and adaptable workforce. [See the research report "Linking Qualifications and the Labour Market through Capabilities and Vocational Streams. Synthesis Report" at ED561378; and the related summaries for: Government & Policy-Makers at ED561379; Industry at ED561380; and Qualification & Approval-Bodies at ED561381.]