The future of technical and vocational education and training?

Research into technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has long been a feature of the work being undertaken by colleagues at HudCRES.

A major research and development project funded by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation (2015-18) sought to improve training in subject-specific pedagogy for teachers of vocational science, engineering and technology in further education. The Principal Investigator Professor Kevin Orr has continued to work with the Gatsby Charitable Foundation to support reform (2020-21).

In 2017, HudCRES hosted an International Symposium on race and Ethnicity in Vocational Education, linked to a special issue of the Journal of Vocational Education and Training involving speakers from the UK, Germany, Canada and Australia.

Colleagues at HudCRES who have published widely and been influential in this field include Professor James Avis, Professor Robin Simmons, Professor Roy Fisher, and Dr Ron Thompson as well as Professor Kevin Orr and Dr Rachel Terry.

More recently one focus of research has been on the introduction of T levels.

In October 2019, Kevin wrote for the 'Ed Space blog about T levels, professional development and subject specific pedagogy. He sits on the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) External Assurance Group for T Level Professional Development, and chairs the 'Teaching' expert panel. Kevin and Rachel are also undertaking research funded by the ETF to explore the perceptions of T Level teachers and their preparation for delivery of the new courses. Early findings from this research, with recommendations for policymakers and T level providers are summarised in the latest HudCRES Policy Briefing.

HudCRES Policy Briefing November 2021, T Levels: the future of technical education?

Download this Policy Briefing

The findings of the research summarised in this Policy Briefing were also the basis of Kevin's presentation at a HudCRES seminar on 21st October 2021 entitled 'International Perspectives on Technical and Vocational Education and Training'.

We were very pleased to welcome contributions to this event by Professor Matthias Pilz and Dr Junmin Li from the University of Cologne, Germany. Based on their research into the TVET systems in Germany and Scotland, they illustrated contrasting approaches to development within TVET systems. The first - a radical response, involving regular and rapid change closely linked to labour-market demands. The second, a more rigid response - with a slower pace of innovation and change, but providing longer term stability within the TVET system.

Discussion centred around the challenge of reaching a balance between innovation and continuity whilst reacting to the demands of a changing environment.

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