Ways for improving the co-ordination of VET and employment

Abstract: In this paper we provide a theoretical, practical and political analysis of the complex challenges involved in the co-ordination of vocational education and training (VET) and employment, and we propose various approaches for the solution to those challenges. Firstly, the controversial issues on a normative and conceptual, evaluative, analytic and prospective level are summarized and discussed. In the second section, we discuss various contributions from involved disciplines to the challenge of co-ordination of VET and employment, and we develop a conceptual framework. As a core thesis, we proclaim that co-ordination should be conceptualized as a complex field of interrelating mechanisms (hierarchy, market, association, networking), from which a learning system can emerge. Finally, we present examples for the actual functioning of practical and political approaches to VET and employment co-ordination, and we draft a strategic approach for further analysis.;