Lifelong learning and vocational education and training: values, social capital, and caring in work-based learning provision

This chapter is part of a book that aims to provide an accessible, practical and scholarly source of information about the international concern for the philosophy, theory, categories, and concepts of lifelong learning. In this chapter, the author highlights the two main objectives of contemporary lifelong learning policy, theory and practice in Britain. These are the development of vocational skills to enhance economic productivity, and the fostering of social inclusion and civic cohesion. The UK government's white paper (indexed at TD/IRD 88.20) advocates educational policy based on a 'vision of a society where high skills, high rewards and access to education and training are open to everyone'. The continued promotion of economic capital poses a threat to the social capital objectives of contemporary vocational education and training (VET). Work-based learning (WBL) is a central element in most current VET policy initiatives in Britain, and the author suggests that systematic management and support of learning on WBL programs, allowing space for the important social values dimension of vocationalism, can help to achieve the social objectives of lifelong learning.

The book from which this chapter is taken is indexed at TD/TNC 98.562. Selected chapters are indexed from TD/TNC 98.563 to TD/TNC 98.569.

This chapter is part of a book that aims to provide an accessible, practical and scholarly source of information about the international concern for the philosophy, theory, categories, and concepts of lifelong learning. In this chapter, the author highlights the two main objectives of contemporary lifelong learning policy, theory and practice in Britain. These are the development of vocational skills to enhance economic productivity, and the fostering of social inclusion and civic cohesion. The UK government's white paper (indexed at TD/IRD 88.20) advocates educational policy based ...  [+] Show more