Theme:

Going beyond reactiveness: Building VET systems to advance communities

Professor Stephen Billet discusses the need for vocational education and training (VET) systems to go beyond simply reacting to industry needs in order to truly advance the social and economic goals of the communities they serve. While it is important for VET to be responsive to industry requirements, Billet argues that this alone is not sufficient. Instead, VET systems should also focus on fostering innovation in workplaces, expanding local economic activities, and building local capacities. By engaging with and forming partnerships within local communities, VET systems can better meet the needs of those they serve.

The presentation emphasizes the importance of both responsiveness and advancing outcomes to achieve educational purposes at a local level. To realize these goals, VET systems need effective social, administrative, and educational infrastructure, including partnerships, intentional organization of educational provisions, and alignment of learning experiences. Billet draws upon research to support the case for VET systems to move beyond mere reactivity and actively contribute to the development of the communities they are a part of.

This presentation supports the need for these purposes and infrastructure by using examples from empirical research studies on vocational education conducted over the last 30 years.

Zoom-link to the seminar: 

https://stockholmuniversity.zoom.us/j/61511083054

Bio

Dr. Stephen Billett is a Professor of Adult and Vocational Education at Griffith University in Australia. His extensive career includes roles in garment manufacturing, vocational education, teacher education, professional development, and policy development in the Australian vocational education system.

He is a renowned researcher in learning through and for work, with numerous publications on topics such as workplace learning and vocational education. Additionally, he has authored and edited several books in the field, and has contributed reports to various organizations globally. 

Dr. Billett is also a sought-after keynote speaker across countries in Europe, North America and South East Asia and has played a significant role in establishing journals and book series related to vocational and professional education.

Professor Stephen Billet