In her book Schooling in the Workplace, Professor Nancy Hoffman examines how six of the world’s best vocational education systems prepare young people for jobs and life. Written with the aim of influencing policy and practice in the US, the book has equally important messages in the UK.
In England – as in America – there is a deep-seated suspicion of early access to vocational education. In part, this is based on a belief that dividing students into “academic sheep” and “vocational goats” simply reinforces existing social divisions. There are also concerns that starting vocational courses too soon will reduce students’ future opportunities; education should prepare young people for life – preparation for work is seen as narrowly utilitarian.
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