Exploring leadership in vocational education and training /

Cat. No: TI-BA-11-003-EN-N doi:10.2801/36572 Includes bibliographical references

European policy on vocational education and training (VET) makes a strong link between the quality of education and the quality of teachers and trainers. Teaching staff are important stakeholders in implementing current VET reforms, and their training and professional development are crucial elements in ensuring quality. However, this working paper argues that the role of those managing and leading VET institutions must be more widely acknowledged and that the research base and policy initiatives specifically related to such staff ought to be strengthened. There is increasing evidence of the importance of leadership in education, though VET leaders have, so far, received only marginal attention. Leaders are crucial in implementing reforms and policy initiatives; they also serve as catalysts for change. The close links between VET and the labour market create specific opportunities for leadership but this has not yet been subjected to European research. This working paper presents some initial findings on leadership in VET in Europe. Cedefop's main objective for this paper is to raise awareness of VET leadership, introducing the topic and escorting it onto the European policy agenda. As the scope and depth of this paper is limited, it should be seen as an initial contribution to discussing leadership in VET.

Leadership in VET.pdf