Beyond Skills: A Capability Conception of Vocational Education

Vocational education transforms the lives of its students and offers them opportunities they would otherwise not have. Vocational education teachers and institutions support students and contribute to their communities, regions and industries, often in spite of, and not because of, funding and government policies. This book argues that a new 'social settlement' is needed in vocational education, one which is based on a broader understanding of occupations and preparation for work. It argues for more expansive understandings of the purposes of vocational education which includes support for human flourishing, social justice, social inclusion, and sustainability.

'For too long it has been assumed vocational education is about making people better functionaries for the economy. It is also typically regarded as training for “those who can’t make it to university” or “can’t make it in society” due to social advantage. This book takes seriously Gramsci’s dictum: there is a philosopher in all of us. At its best vocational education is about learning to flourish not just at work, but in life generally. It is learning anchored in the complex world of practice. This book clarifies how vocational education can be reconstructed to achieve this reality. It is essential reading for all with an interest not just in the future of education – but the future of work and the future of citizenship.' – John Buchanan, Business Information Systems and Co-Director of the Mental Wealth Initiative, University of Sydney Business School.

‘As we seek a new progressive agenda, this excellent book could not be more timely. With intellectual rigour, conceptual clarity, and historical insight, it presents a new settlement for the future of vocational education. It’s a must-read!’ – Phillip Brown, Emeritus Professor, Cardiff University.

'In presenting a carefully theorised sociological critique of major trends in contemporary international VET, Wheelahan and Moodie have produced a book that will be a central reference point for the field.' – Simon McGrath, Associate Dean, Research Culture College of Social Sciences, University of Glasgow.

'This book makes a major contribution to research on vocational education and skills. It brings together a range of theoretical resources to explore different facets of the education and training systems which, in different ways in different countries, try to prepare young people for work, and enable workers to further develop their expertise and skills. Located in an analysis of the very real difficulties that vocational education systems face and a hard hitting analysis of policies that have weakened them, the authors present a bold vision for roles that vocational education could play, even in the absence of occupational labour markets.' – Stephanie Allais, Research Chair, Skills Development, Centre for Researching Education and Labour, University of the Witwatersrand.