The future of Vocational education – learning from the Nordic countries

Funded by NordForsk programme 'Education for tomorrow'
The purpose of the project is to generate significant new knowledge on the strengths and weaknesses characterizing the different models of vocational education and training (VET) at higher secondary level in the Nordic countries. This knowledge will increase the opportunities for systematic policy learning in relation to key dilemmas in the development of VET in the future in these countries.
the project has a special focus on how the systems handle the double challenge of qualifying for employment and providing access to HE? The revitalisation of modern forms of apprenticeship programmes in a number of Nordic countries has drawn attention to the risk that these programmes become ‘dead-ends’ in the educational system, with weak linkages to the tertiary level of education. Comprehensive education on the other hand often suffers from weak linkagess to the labour market and difficult transitions to employment. What are the experiences of programmes for double or hybrid that provide access to higher education as well as work-based learning and skilled employment?