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Conceptualisations of work are changing rapidly as the organisation of work, tools for undertaking work, and relationships between work and other aspects of people's lives, change. These factors have important implications for the purpose, content and processes of vocational education and training. Vocational education has traditionally resided within the institutional context of formal education and the important element of work-related learning has largely been ignored as a consequence. In response to dissatisfaction with the ability of the vocational education system to meet the changing demands of the workplace, many countries are working towards formal status for and integration of work-based learning within formal classroom learning. This paper explores a number of changes to work and some of the implications for the purpose, content and processes of vocational education and training in Australia. Attention is drawn to some immediate challenges to vocational education that require action. These are involving the employer, improving the awareness of vocational teachers in relation to the workplace, developing cooperative programs to provide multiple placements in a range of workplaces, and cultivating international alliances in vocational education.