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RESEARCH PRODUCT

The Status of Vocational Education and Training

subject

description

Occupations have been ranked on the basis of their rewards to individuals and value for society. However, the traditional fixed ranking based on social and power hierarchies in societies is blurred in the light of recent shift in conceptions of status, culture, self-fulfillment, and identity. Youngsters' images of occupations are associated with their aspirations for studies and jobs, with qualities of work and people involved in a field, and with family background and parents' opinions. This article focuses on the concept of parity of esteem in youth education and training. Upper secondary education, either general (academic) or vocational, should prepare for higher education or/and workforce. The systemic education and training approaches are based on the strategies of enhancement, enrichment, linkages, and unification.