Vocational education is central to the plans of policy makers around the world

It underpins the development of the poorest economies, and the continued competitiveness of the richest.

Technical and Vocational Education and Training debates the key issues:

How far can the same principles be applied to vocational learning in universities, colleges, schools and the workplace?

Do the needs of learners and the needs of the economy always coincide?

Should teachers focus on the delivery of skills or the development of cultures?

What will determine whether what is learnt corresponds to what is taught?

Who are the stakeholders in vocational learning, and can they all be satisfied at once?

What does it really mean to say that vocational provision is a kind of investment?

Drawing on contemporary, internationally-significant case studies in water education, management education and education for sustainable development along with UNESCO's International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training, Gough provides a challenging discussion.