Work-based learning (WBL) as an effective strategy to promote quality and relevance of education and training.

The UNESCO Recommendation concerning Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) was approved in 2015 and reflects the Member States’ collective aspiration. Work-based learning, in the many forms by which it has evolved through time, is a strong reflection of the potential for employment of young people in a country, the effectiveness of multi-level governance of TVET, and importance attached to creating a well-rounded learning process suitable for future employment and personal growth. Whether it is in the form of apprenticeships, industry attachments, on the job training or in-service training, WBL, as advocated by UNESCO, should be linked with institution-based learning, where the understanding of the scientific, technological, social, cultural, environmental, economic and other aspects of societies could deepen as well as develop competencies of individuals to prepare them for occupation fields.

WBL can vary significantly from one country to another, based on prevailing education and training pathways and traditions.

Advancing WBL models effectively therefore requires an understanding and adaptation to country-specific contexts and cultural traditions.

With the involvement of UNEVOC Centres from around the world, this book contributes to the analysis of different dimensions and characteristics of WBL in different contexts and gives a global perspective on WBL as a pathway to delivering competency-based education. It is the result of a collaborative research project led by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB), with support of the UNESCO-UNEVOC International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

The book was published by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training under the involvement of UNEVOC centres from around the world. The open source publication is available online or can be ordered in a print version under the link below.