Literature monitoring – Megatrends in VET

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is challenged by social, environmental, technological and economic megatrends. The trend monitoring carried out by the Swiss Observatory for Vocational and Professional Education and Training OBS SFUVET identifies correlations between current VET megatrends and key aspects of the VET system, such as the labour market readiness of graduates or the willingness of companies to provide workplace training. What were the most discussed megatrends identified from the literature monitoring in 2022?

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Adobe Stock/SFUVET

The main VET megatrends in 2022 are lifelong learning, labour market developments, digitalisation, the importance (social image) of VET and upskilling. This shows the analysis of over 441 publications by practioners researchers and policymakers carried out by OBS SFUVET researchers during the literature monitoring process from autumn 2021 to autumn 2022.

Megatrend 1: Lifelong learning

Lifelong learning includes aspects such as formal education, informal learning at the workplace or individual skills development. Lifelong learning was the most frequently discussed megatrend in VET in the monitoring period 2022 (autumn 2021-autumn 2022). 35 % of the megatrends discussed in publications related to topics associated with lifelong learning and individual skills development. Lifelong learning is becoming more important given social, economic and digital trends. This has implications for VET because learners need to learn the skills that will equip them to learn throughout their lives. Secondly, VET directly contributes to lifelong learning by helping adults to obtain a vocational qualifications, by facilitating the validation of non-formal and informal learning and by providing access to formal and informal workplace training.

Qualitative analysis: Lifelong learning

Reading note: The mind map comprises three levels and is dynamic - for better readability on small screens, the circles can be moved with the mouse. The largest circle in the center of the mind map refers to the evaluated megatrend, which is described in more detail in a pop-up text box. The medium-sized circles represent aggregated topic categories formed by a qualitative, content-based evaluation of the sources. The associated pop-up text box explains the topic categories in more detail. The smallest circles show which subtopics comprise the aggregated topic categories. By clicking on the subtopics, sample articles can be opened where available.

Megatrend 2: Labour market situation

Another important megatrend identified during the monitoring phase 2022 (autumn 2021-autumn 2022) was the labour market situation, which includes such things as the supply of and demand for jobs or the emergence of new models of work. 16 % of the publications discuss the influence of labour market developments on VET. Swiss VET programmes are closely linked to the labour market. Changes in skilled labour and the labour market therefore always require adaptations within the VET system. This includes, among other things, measures to address shortages of skilled workers, issues affecting the willingness of companies to provide workplace training and measures to facilitate labour market integration after completion of training or following a period of unemployment.

Qualitative analysis: Labour market situation

Reading note: The mind map comprises three levels and is dynamic - for better readability on small screens, the circles can be moved with the mouse. The largest circle in the center of the mind map refers to the evaluated megatrend, which is described in more detail in a pop-up text box. The medium-sized circles represent aggregated topic categories formed by a qualitative, content-based evaluation of the sources. The associated pop-up text box explains the topic categories in more detail. The smallest circles show which subtopics comprise the aggregated topic categories. By clicking on the subtopics, sample articles can be opened where available.

Megatrend 3: Digital transformation

Digital transformation (14 %) is another important megatrend that creates challenges for VET. On the one hand, digitalisation requires the VET system to adapt in response to rapid changes and shifts in activities both between and within occupations and thus further underscores the importance of lifelong learning. On the other hand, the digitalisation opens up new methodological-didactic possibilities, which force teachers and VET professionals to catch up with learner proficiency in the use of technology.

Qualitative analysis: Digital transformation

Reading note: The mind map comprises three levels and is dynamic - for better readability on small screens, the circles can be moved with the mouse. The largest circle in the center of the mind map refers to the evaluated megatrend, which is described in more detail in a pop-up text box. The medium-sized circles represent aggregated topic categories formed by a qualitative, content-based evaluation of the sources. The associated pop-up text box explains the topic categories in more detail. The smallest circles show which subtopics comprise the aggregated topic categories. By clicking on the subtopics, sample articles can be opened where available.

Megatrend 4: Importance (social image) of VET

The appeal of VET as a pathway depends on the social, national and international importance of VET (10 %), which in turn is determined by factors such as proximity to the labour market and the rapid adaptability of VET programmes to changing skills requirements. Other important factors include the quality of the VET system, the ability of qualification holders to transition to other types of education and training or more advanced training. In this context, changes in the proportion of young people pursuing VET and general education are discussed.

Qualitative analysis: Importance (social image) of VET

Reading note: The mind map comprises three levels and is dynamic - for better readability on small screens, the circles can be moved with the mouse. The largest circle in the center of the mind map refers to the evaluated megatrend, which is described in more detail in a pop-up text box. The medium-sized circles represent aggregated topic categories formed by a qualitative, content-based evaluation of the sources. The associated pop-up text box explains the topic categories in more detail. The smallest circles show which subtopics comprise the aggregated topic categories. By clicking on the subtopics, sample articles can be opened where available.

Megatrend 5: Upskilling

Upskilling (9 %) is an essential element that allows VET to compete with general education. This includes, for example, the ability of qualification holders to transition to tertiary level, which is possible through Swiss professional education or through Swiss universities of applied sciences (for holders of the federal vocational baccalaureate). Other upskilling opportunities include support and training options to help integrate low-skilled workers into the labour market.

Megatrend 5: Upskilling

Reading note: The mind map comprises three levels and is dynamic - for better readability on small screens, the circles can be moved with the mouse. The largest circle in the center of the mind map refers to the evaluated megatrend, which is described in more detail in a pop-up text box. The medium-sized circles represent aggregated topic categories formed by a qualitative, content-based evaluation of the sources. The associated pop-up text box explains the topic categories in more detail. The smallest circles show which subtopics comprise the aggregated topic categories. By clicking on the subtopics, sample articles can be opened where available.

Less common or emerging megatrends that could have a greater impact on VET in the coming years are migration (4 %),  social, economic and environmental sustainability (4 %) and globalisation (3 %).