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This chapter, which is presented in six sections, provides an assessment of the aims and content of vocational education and training (VET) policy in England since 1945. The first section covers the 30-35 years after 1945, a period in which 'initial attempts to deliver policy aims by legislating for individual and employer participation were first diluted and then abandoned'; the second section looks at the period when the government entered into specific contracts with VET providers for course delivery, thereby exerting some influence; section three covers the era of assessment, qualifications and institutional reform; section four provides an overview of the last 60 years; in section five, a number of assumptions on which recent policies appear to be based are identified; and the final section examines some recent developments. The chapter concludes with a set of key lessons learnt from the review of the last 60 years. They include: England still does not have a coherent VET policy and is in need of one; attractive and flexible vocational learning programs are needed, as well as rigorous and relevant vocational qualifications; and there is a need to establish and maintain a properly resourced VET infrastructure.