"UNESCO has recently published the third volume of its Education on the Move series, a series dedicated to the analysis of key trends in education with the hope of inspiring dialogue among policy makers, educators and other key stakeholders on the challenges of education for tomorrow. The latest publication, entitled Unleashing the Potential: Transforming Technical and Vocational Education and Training is focused entirely on issues related to technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It takes stock of the steadily increasing demands and expectations on TVET systems around the globe and presents recent policy trends in the field of TVET. In their analysis, the authors provide insights into what it takes to unleash the potential of TVET systems around the world. They propose an integrated analytical approach that takes into consideration such factors as economic growth, social equity and issues related to sustainability so that TVET can contribute more effectively to contemporary policy issues such as youth unemployment, gender disparities and climate change. Overall, the book calls for a transformation of TVET systems to enable them to respond to the demands of their contexts. This transformation should enable TVET systems to acquire agility to stay current and responsive to the rapidly changing demands of the twenty-first century."--Publisher's website.

This six-volume handbook covers the latest practice in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). It presents TVET models from all over the world, reflections on the best and most innovative practice, and dozens of telling case studies. The handbook presents the work of established as well as the most promising young researchers and features unrivalled coverage of developments in research, policy and practice in TVET.

From ancient skills passed down through imitation to the apprentice systems of ancient civilizations and onward to the formal vocational education systems of today, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has existed for thousands of years. It has made significant contributions to society, the economy, and technological advancements throughout the course of human civilization. While the contemporary concepts and principles of TVET have a history of only a few hundred years, the professional and technical talents nurtured by TVET have initiated and completed numerous industrial revolutions, exerting a profound influence on modernization initiatives. High-quality TVET construction is recognized as a crucial driver in promoting global social and economic development. Therefore, as an integral part of the educational system, countries worldwide spare no effort in constructing vocational education systems. Understanding vocational education experiences from around the world can assist each country or region in drawing inspiration when developing their own TVET systems. This book gathers research experiences from various countries and regions in the realms of “Educational Policies and Institutions” and “Curriculum and Instruction”, aiming to offer readers insights from diverse TVET achievements in different contexts and backgrounds.

Focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, which in recent years has been the engine of global economic growth , this volume surveys trends and prospects in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) with particular reference to achieving inclusive growth and the greening of economies. Underlying the increasing pressure for new models of TVET provision is the rapid pace of technological change, demand for a work force which is highly responsive to evolving needs and a transforming market place that calls for higher order skills and lifelong learning. The book proposes a re-engineered, modernized TVET system that fosters an innovative approach which enhances the employability of workers as well as the sustainability of their livelihoods. The book includes contributions from leading policy makers, researchers, and practitioners, including those in the private sector in analyzing and forecasting the most urgent priorities in skills development. The book argues for creative approaches to TVET design and delivery particularly with a view to improve job prospects , and meeting the goals of inclusion, sustainable development and social cohesion. Addressing issues such as the chronic mismatches between skills acquired and actual skills required in the work place, the volume proposes diversified approaches towards workforce development and partnerships with the private sector to improve the quality and relevance of skills development . The new imperatives created by ‘greening’ economies and responses required in skills development and training are addressed. Developing TVET is a high priority for governments in the Asia Pacific region as they seek to achieve long-term sustainable growth since the .continued success of their economic destinies depend on it. The volume also includes an emerging framework for skills development for inclusive and sustainable growth in the Asia and Pacific region.

Empowerment is the overarching idea used in this book. The term has a variety of meanings in different sociocultural and political contexts, including “self-strength, control, self-power, self-reliance, own choice, life of dignity in accordance with one’s values, capable of fighting for one’s rights, independence, own decision making, being free, awakening, and capability” (The World Bank, 2002, p. 10). However, the World Bank report observed that most definitions focus on issues of “gaining power and control over decisions and resources that determine the quality of one’s life” (p. 10). This interpretation of empowerment provides a useful starting point for the development of the series of interconnected arguments explored here. Establishment of the basis for understanding, identifying and developing strategies through education necessary for individuals to be able to make choices that inf- ence the quality of their lives is the main aim of this book. There are a number of assumptions and boundaries that frame this analysis. First, the book focuses on “agents”; however, empowerment is often conceptualised in terms of relationships between agency and structure (e. g. , Alsop, Bertelsen, & H- land, 2006). Agency could be defined as “an actor’s or group’s ability to make purposeful choices – that is, the actor is able to envisage and purposively choose options” (p. 11).

This is an open access book. Indonesia, as a member of ASEAN, is now facing the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2016. The AEC will support the ASEAN’s transformation into a region that guarantees free movement of goods, services, capital, and skilled labors. This will make ASEAN an even more dynamic and competitive region. In preparation for the AEC, the ASEAN member countries have ventured to improve the comparability and connectivity of their TVET systems. As an important component of human resources development, TVET is expected to play an active role in preparing the successful EAC. The implications of technological, economic and social trends are intervening factors that refine pedagogical strategies, leading to the molding of TVET as a more effective platform to catalyze pragmatic approaches to prepare the workforce for the new imperatives of the world of work. Regional integration and harmonization of TVET in the region have become key concerns and at the same time the strength of the ASEAN region. They are considered the overarching interventions needed in TVET to address major issues and challenges.