In OECD countries, many young people enter vocational programmes at upper secondary level. Sometimes these programmes are linked to workplace training, and sometimes they are formal apprenticeships, alternating on-the-job learning with school-based training. Despite its international diversity, some common issues and challenges remain. For example: •how to balance the needs of students and employers in the provision of training; •the skills required by VET teachers and trainers; •the extent to which the benefits of workplace training can be fully exploited; •the most effective models for engaging employers and unions; •how better measures of labour market outcomes can be developed, and compared across countries. Learning for Jobs, the thematic review of initial VET, looks at these issues among others. The work got under way in 2007 and, following 17 country reviews across the globe, was completed with the publication of a final comparative report in 2010.

1. Learning for Jobs
1
www.oecd.org/education/VET

2. Physical or human resources?
2030

3. Number of upper secondary
vocational graduates per year:
rough estimates, millions.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
OECD China

4. Jobs and learning: two worlds?
4

5. 5
How can
vocational
education
and
training
(VET)
meet
labour
market
needs?
We need:
The right skills…
…well taught…
…in the right place.

6. The right skills
6
How many people, and
what mix of skills?
We recommend:
Balance student preference with employer
demand, ideally through workplace
training.
Either students
decide..
..government
plans..
…or the market
determines?

7. Well taught
7
How can teachers and
trainers be best prepared?
We recommend:
More input from industry in schools.
More training for workplace supervisors
of trainees.
In schools and
colleges
In workplaces

8. In the right place
8
What are the
advantages of
workplace training?
We recommend:
Wider use of workplace training…
…recognising its limitations…
…particularly during a recession.
Good environment
Helps recruitment
Trainees work!

9. Learning for Jobs
9
www.oecd.org/education/VET