Examining barriers to internationalisation created by diverse systems and structures in vocational education and training

Shaw, Angela Joy; Shaw, Kieron John; Blake, Suzanne

Abstract

In a global society, all educational sectors need to recognise internationalism as a core, foundational principle. Whilst most educational sectors are taking up that challenge, vocational education and training (VET) is still being pulled towards the national agenda in terms of its structures and systems, and the policies driving it, disadvantaging those who graduate from VET, those who teach in it, and the businesses and countries that connect with it. This paper poses questions about the future of internationalisation in the sector. It examines whether there is a way to create a VET system that meets its primary point of value, to produce skilled workers for the local labour market, while still benefitting those graduates by providing international skills and knowledge, gained from VET institutions that are international in their outlook. The paper examines some of the key barriers created by systems and structures in VET to internationalisation and suggests that the efforts which have been made to address the problem have had limited success. It suggests that only a model which gives freedom to those with a direct vested interest, students, teachers, trainers and employers, to pursue international co-operation and liaison will have the opportunity to succeed.

Citation

Shaw, A. J., Shaw, K. J., & Blake, S. (2016). Examining barriers to internationalisation created by diverse systems and structures in vocational education and training. International Journal for Research in Vocational Education and Training, 3(2), 88-105. https://doi.org/10.13152/IJRVET.3.2.2

• Acceptance Date: Apr 23, 2016
• Publication Date: Aug 24, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jul 19, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: Aug 24, 2016
• Journal: International journal for research in vocational education and training
• Print ISSN: 2197-8638
• Publisher: VETNET
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 3
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 88-105
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.13152/IJRVET.3.2.2
• Keywords: Internationalisation of higher education
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/441289
• Publisher URL: http://www.ijrvet.net/index.php/IJRVET/article/view/163
• Additional Information: Copy of article first published in: International journal for research in vocational education and training, 2016, v.3, issue 2
• Contract Date: Jul 19, 2016