scholarly journals The relevance of transversal competences in vocational education and training: a bibliometric analysis

Author(s):  
Inmaculada Calero López ◽  
Beatriz Rodríguez-López

Abstract Vocational Education and Training (VET) programmes have included the acquisition of transversal competences in their curricula as a tool to increase employability. The number of researches has exponentially grown in the last years, emphasizing its relevance and the multiple approaches and factors involved in the learning process. The present bibliometric study aims to provide an overview of the scientific research carried out during the last 10 years and to shed some light on several relevant topics in this field. The results indicate the need to improve students’ transversal competences in order to meet the demands of the labour market, the importance of the collaboration of all the actors involved in the process (policy makers, industry and educators) and from a pedagogical point of view, the necessity of introducing new teaching approaches to implement and assess the acquisition of transversal competences. However, and despite the surge of interest in the study of transversal competences in the last decade, further empirical research is needed, especially at Vocational Education and Training level, to understand how transversal competences develop and what kind of initiatives have an impact of their acquisition.

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 162-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Seeber

From a societal perspective, vocational education and training must enable young adults to meet the challenges of the labour market in a globalized world, reduce the mismatch of supply and demand of qualifications (e.g. youth unemployment leading to disadvantages for individuals, society and national economies) and improve social cohesion. From an individual perspective, vocational education and training should develop young adults’ vocational competencies, support their individual personality development and their integration into the labour market and society, help secure their livelihood and enable them to lead self-determined lives as citizens. Therefore, the assessment of competencies obtained in vocational education and training programmes has emerged as a critical issue to develop workforces and the capacity for life-long learning and to foster civic participation as a responsible citizen. This article provides some insights into the modelling and measurement of competencies in vocational education and training, where occupational and cross-occupational competencies are necessary to cope with the requirements of workplaces, as a responsible citizen and in private life. In this article, cross-occupational economic competencies and occupation-specific commercial competencies in the area of business and administration are discussed. Both constructs are based on economic theories, concepts and central terms; nevertheless, the situation-specific context and requirements may vary substantially. Thus, different approaches to define and measure both constructs seem to be necessary.


2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 381-392
Author(s):  
Tendayi Gondo ◽  
Gift Dafuleya

Technical vocational education and training (TVET) programmes have recently received increased attention as an area of priority for stimulating growth in developed and developing countries. This paper considers the situation in Ethiopia where the promotion of micro and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) has been central to the development and expansion of TVET centres throughout the country. The extent to which efforts relating to TVET made by Ethiopian policy makers, higher education institutions and MSEs have enhanced the development of the micro-enterprise sector is considered, using empirical evidence gathered from nine Ethiopian cities. It is argued that the existing relationship between TVET and micro-enterprise cannot be regarded only as one of constrained capacity, usage and transformation. The authors argue further that the development of micro and small-sized enterprises requires approaches extending beyond the simple expansion and development of TVET institutions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-113
Author(s):  
Laura A. Helbling

Abstract Competing assumptions about whether entering the labour market via fixed-term jobs is a good or bad start into work life persist in the literature. Based on the longitudinal survey TREE, this article sheds light on (1) who enters the Swiss labour market via fixed-term jobs after graduating from initial vocational education and on (2) the consequences regarding their future returns. Results indicate that vocational education graduates entering the work force via fixed-term jobs of low occupational status must expect lower future wages.


Author(s):  
Grieta Tentere

Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) makes a significant contribution to economic competitiveness in a knowledge-based economy. The main challenge for vocational education and training is to meet the changing skill needs in the labour market. In order to balance labour market supply and demand by constantly diversifying TVET customer base, it is necessary to increase the key role played by vocational education and training in economic competitiveness and social inclusion. The considerable economic growth in Mongolia does not have a positive impact on the creation of new jobs and poverty reduction. This implies that the Mongolian education sector was unable to produce required knowledge and skills to be employed. At the system and institutional levels, the management has changed frequently, the policy continuity and consistency are weak. The TVET and curriculum standards are not developed, validated and approved. The multi-faceted, multi-ownership and relatively accessible TVET system became reality in Mongolia. The main factor to increase the economic competitiveness is the quality of in the TVET sector. Thus, the quality assurance is a comprehensive system for evaluating outcomes and achievement of the core objectives of the TVET system, making adjustments, if necessary, and improving a rationale for management decisions.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-71
Author(s):  
Simone R Haasler

In Germany, the dual system of apprenticeship training has traditionally been very strong. The dominant position of the dual system, however, is being challenged by other training routes gaining significance, particularly tertiary education. This article investigates the extent to which this is leading to a restructuring of the dual system. Developments in school-based vocational programmes, trends of academisation and challenges deriving from qualifying low achievers are discussed. The growing significance of school-based programmes is linked to the gender impact of the vocational education and training (VET) system and the gender segmentation of the German labour market, while academisation reflects labour market demands for high skills. With dual study programmes and three and a half-year dual training, the dual system seeks to provide attractive training options for highly skilled young people. This, however, has made access to fully-qualifying vocational programmes very difficult for low-achieving young people, including migrants and refugees, thereby challenging the integration function of the German VET system.


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