Structural approaches to citizenship education in vocational education and training systems in international comparison – PartVET
The PartVET research project examines how apprentices and vocational learners in Germany, Switzerland and Denmark are involved in vocational education and training policy processes. The focus is on the extent to which they are perceived as active participants and what structural opportunities for participation are available to them.
Citizenship education in apprenticeships
The project sees participation as an important component of citizenship education. The opportunity to get involved in decision-making processes, take responsibility and develop solutions together teaches democratic principles in a practical way – and is therefore in line with the basic idea of the dual training system, which combines theory and practice.
New perspectives on participation and governance
In addition, PartVET examines the contribution that systematic participation by apprentices and vocational learners can make to the further development of vocational education and training, for example by stimulating innovation or improving existing structures. The aim is to develop new perspectives on the governance of vocational education and training and to deepen the understanding of participation as an element of democratic education.
Research design
PartVET combines a comprehensive literature analysis with qualitative interviews. The interviewees include key stakeholders in vocational education policy as well as apprentices and vocational learners in the three countries. This provides a broad picture of existing participation structures, challenges and potentials.
PartVET builds on findings from the project ‘Communication and Reception of Apprentices' Perspectives in International Comparison (KuRA)’.