Schools and work: technical and vocational education in France since the Third Republic

This publication documents the development of vocational and technical education in France since the late nineteenth century. A detailed history is provided and vocational and technical education is situated in the broader context of education development and economic modernisation. The author analyses the changes in industrial technology, the rise and decline of Fordism and Taylorism, and the emergence of new techniques of flexible specialisation and lean production. The book demonstrates that as France was faced with the challenges of globalisation, increased competition, and deindustrialisation, the government and industry had to redefine skill requirements, reform schools and education and training programs, and create new forms of cooperative programs such as work-based learning, continuing education, and apprenticeship programs similar to those developed in Germany and other European countries. Technical and vocational training now permeates the entire French educational system with business and industry playing a major role in educational decision making. The system currently meets the demand for skilled labour in almost all occupational areas. The chapters are: The origins of technical and vocational education in France; The division of technical education from 1920 to 1960; Vocational education and the training of workers from the Third to the Fifth Republics, 1900-1981; Vocational education and the training of workers since 1981; Training technicians in France since the First World War; Advanced education and the training of senior technicians, engineers, and managers in France since 1981; Conclusion. A bibliography is included.

This publication documents the development of vocational and technical education in France since the late nineteenth century. A detailed history is provided and vocational and technical education is situated in the broader context of education development and economic modernisation. The author analyses the changes in industrial technology, the rise and decline of Fordism and Taylorism, and the emergence of new techniques of flexible specialisation and lean production. The book demonstrates that as France was faced with the challenges of globalisation, increased competition, and ...  [+] Show more