BBC – Sean Coughlan
“The topic of “vocational education” often has a recurrent theme. Everyone says it’s a good thing and it’s vital for the economy. But – and there is always a but, it’s still the academic pathway that has the higher status. As the saying goes, vocational education is a great thing… for other people’s children. Another side of this conundrum is that there is more need for vocational education than ever before. Youth unemployment, particularly among those without training or qualifications, is a scourge in many countries. But at the same time employers are warning about skills shortages and not being able to find the right staff.”(more)