Successful provision of VET in schools: overseas approaches

In this article, the author examines successful approaches to vocational education and training in schools (VETiS) in other OECD countries. Three broad approaches to VETiS are discussed, illustrated by examples from North America and Europe: (1) integration of VETiS options within the general senior secondary curriculum; (2) provision of stand-alone VETiS qualifications without integration with the general senior secondary curriculum; and (3) provision of structured vocational programs in postcompulsory years with links to general upper secondary education and avenues to higher education...  [+] Show more

In this article, the author examines successful approaches to vocational education and training in schools (VETiS) in other OECD countries. Three broad approaches to VETiS are discussed, illustrated by examples from North America and Europe: (1) integration of VETiS options within the general senior secondary curriculum; (2) provision of stand-alone VETiS qualifications without integration with the general senior secondary curriculum; and (3) provision of structured vocational programs in postcompulsory years with links to general upper secondary education and avenues to higher education. The author concludes that approaches taken by other nations result in higher rates of participation and school completion, and higher standards of learning and achievement. It is suggested that Australia could learn from these approaches to VETiS.

This article is part of a thematic edition of Vocal entitled 'What works for vocational education and training in schools in terms of developing connections, building capacity and enhancing collaboration'. Articles are indexed from TD/TNC 94.144 to TD/TNC 94.150 and from TD/TNC 94.264 to TD/TNC 95.276.