Vocationalization of secondary and higher education: pathways to the world of work

Abstract

This paper examines the changing nature of vocationalization within the human resource development (HRD) agenda that came to the fore several decades ago. Although originally it included a broader interpretation (education and training, health, standards of living), gradually, over time, a narrower definition has come to prevail (Kelly, 2001). Therefore, the economic aspect of HRD, that is the development of employability skills, is currently the main emphasis within policy development. This employability focus has changed the nature of vocationalization from 'educational' to 'functional'. However, in many cases this brings general and vocational education together at both secondary and higher education1 levels. This paper also reveals that vocationalization depends on the level of economic development and cultural specificities. Analysis of vocationalization at secondary level is followed by a brief examination of post-secondary technical and vocational education and training (TVET) that through articulation pathways are linked to higher education and lastly, vocationalization of higher education.