Vocational Education and Training in the United Kingdom. 2nd Edition.

Overview & Synopsis

This monograph, which describes the vocational education and training (VET) system in the United Kingdom, is a step towards updating and extending the series on VET in the member states of the European Community. Chapter 1 provides background information on: political and administrative structure; population; the economy and labor force; educational levels of the population and labor force; and employment and skill needs. Chapter 2 describes briefly the education system and its development, including the education departments, local authorities, secondary education, higher education, teacher training, and educational research. Chapter 3 covers the VET system's historical development, common elements for initial and continuing VET, initial VET, and continuing VET. Chapter 4 presents the regulatory framework. It discusses administrative and regulatory arrangements and financial arrangements. Chapter 5 covers qualitative aspects, including certification and the qualifications and training of trainers. Chapter 6 focuses on: social and economic trends and a change of government. Annexes include a list of acronyms and sets of initials; major organizations involved in providing or regulating vocational training; a 37-item bibliography; glossary; and further proposed changes to the VET infrastructure. (YLB)