Variations on a Theme: Vocational Education

Abstract

Preparation of youth for the world of work surely represents one of the most challenging duties of the adult population virtually around the globe. The only exceptions are those parts of the third world where dire poverty and limited access to education deny children any options other than to assist their families from an early age on in their struggle for survival. In developing countries and highly industrialized nations such as Japan, the United States, the Soviet Union, and the majority of the other nations of Europe the meshing of labor market needs and youth's inclinations and potential within the prevailing political ideology constitutes a formidable and extremely intricate task. The process is fraught with stumbling blocks and dysfunctionalities. The variability of the individuals who are to enter the world of work, the projected needs for different kinds of occupational specialists, the outreach and quality of the educational system, and the availability and effectiveness of training facilities f...