This book draws on experiences from a range of vocational education systems in different nation states and re-examines the purpose of providing experiences outside educational institutions; the kinds and extent of those experiences; and efforts made to ensure the integration of students’ experiences across sites. Analyses of the various vocational education systems, their purposes and practices across nations, and challenges experienced by different stakeholders illustrate different approaches to the integration of learning at different sites. The book includes a consideration of what constitutes the integration and reconciliation of experiences, and their attendant educational implications. This extends an appraisal of the concepts of integration, reconciliation, curriculum and work readiness, each of which has a range of connotations. Integration or reconciliation is differentiated from transfer of learning, which is commonly based on simple assumptions that the educational institutions will provide theory and that the workplaces will provide practice from the workplaces, and that the two can be easily linked by students. The contributions from different nation states clearly demonstrate that integration is a collaborative process and requires the agency of stakeholders operating at global, national and specific learning site levels.

An ambitious book with a number of excellent chapters. It will stand out in the broad field of vocational education and training for its strong basis in the research literature. Professor Michael Young, London Institute of Education Developing Vocational Expertise offers a systematic foundation for vocational education and training. Drawing on current research, it provides a theoretical basis for teachers and trainers to develop instructional strategies. The contributors emphasise the importance of considering learning in context. They examine the core areas of literacy, numeracy, information literacy, problem-solving and creativity, as well as newer areas of instruction: flexible learning and guided learning. Each chapter takes a structured approach to developing core sets of knowledge and skills for work. Within each area of expertise, recent theoretical and research developments are outlined, and the implications for curriculum development, teaching and learning are explained. Teachers and trainers are encouraged to select an appropriate combination of approaches to suit the particular needs of their students and circumstances. Developing Vocational Expertise is an essential resource for students in vocational and occupational education, and will also interest technical and further education teachers and industry trainers.