Initial Vocational Education and Training in the Tertiary Sector - Models and their Relevance from the International Perspective
On 5 and 6 November 2012 at the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), Bonn
(Interpreting services will not be available)
National systems of vocational education and training (VET) are constantly faced with new challenges driven by politics and the economy. Some contend that qualification requirements on the labour market have changed to their disadvantage; because of modern technology and increasing globalisation, the expected standards are rising. One political strategy in response is to strengthen the university sector and raise participation rates. This prompts numerous questions in relation to VET systems. At this conference research findings addressed to some of these questions will be presented in the aim of stimulating a debate with companies about the possible answers:
- How is VET positioning itself in this situation? Does "higher VET" exist? Are there models and courses that stand out for the integration of high-quality vocational and school-based/academic elements?
- Are these particular to national systems, or can similar types be identified in a range of countries? What international tendencies are identifiable?
- What experience has been gathered with these in terms of the labour market and acceptance by companies? For which models is there a demand from the viewpoint of companies?
- Which vocational qualifications are placed at Level 5 or higher of the European Qualifications Framework? What are their distinctive features? How significant are double and hybrid qualifications within this mix?
