Monitoring VET Systems of Major EU Competitor Countries - The Cases of Australia, Canada, U.S.A. and Japan

The study on VET systems of major EU competitor countries is based on the objective of the (revised) Lisbon agenda to become the most competitive region of the world based on a knowledge driven production and social cohesion. Building on experts opinion and literature research this study aims at monitoring VET policies in Australia, Canada, the U.S. and Japan. The study analyses five themes which are assumed to be of outstanding importance for understanding the current performance and the developing potentials of VET systems. The addressed thematic fields are 1. background and structure of the education systems, 2. current general policies in VET, 3. image and attractiveness, 4. financing of VET and 5. early skills recognition. The study ends up with a set of conclusions emphasising possible recommendations that might be formulated for European countries and the European Union in order to support their struggle for achieving the Lisbon goals, i.e. achievieng a good position in the global economy, innovation with more and better jobs and social cohesion during the coming decades.