Vocational education and training in Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany

This study is concerned with education and training in Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom. It compares vocational education and training (VET) in the three countries, with a view to providing information for consideration by policy-makers. The initial focus on industry involvement in VET highlights how all three systems, which are dedicated to improving relevant workforce skills and providing industry-relevant training for young people, have looked to increasing the involvement of industry in training. The importance of apprenticeship pathways, especially for Australia and Germany is highlighted, and the focus on restoring such pathways in the United Kingdom is noted. The introduction of assessment-only pathways to qualifications, observed in the United Kingdom and Australia, and the importance of institutional pathways to vocational qualifications are also explored. Similarities are observed in approaches to quality assurance and the effect of European harmonisation (such that systems across countries are compatible) policies on the transfer of students and credits between institutions is discussed. In comparing these countries, it is argued that there are more similarities than there are differences. The convergence of approach is much more evident in the conceptual underpinnings of training policies, rather than in their practical implementation. Nevertheless, moves to 'harmonise' European education and training may also mean increasing convergence of practice. The study found that a convergence of principles, and sometimes practice, is observed across Australia, the United Kingdom and Germany. However, arrangements in Australia tend to stand out in terms of ease of movement and flexibility between the vocational and higher education sectors. Australia provides a good example of a lifelong learning system in action. It is noted that international practices in relation to harmonisation and credit transfer frameworks have important lessons for improving portability of qualifications across Australian state and territory jurisdictions. Show less