Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 3
Table of contents ........................................................................................................................ 4
List of tables and figures ............................................................................................................ 7
1. General policy context ........................................................................................................ 9
1.1. Political and administrative structure....................................................................... 9
1.2. Population............................................................................................................... 10
1.3. Economy, labour market and unemployment......................................................... 11
1.4. Educational attainment of the population............................................................... 13
2. Policy developments......................................................................................................... 15
2.1. General objectives and priorities............................................................................ 15
2.2. England, Wales and Northern Ireland .................................................................... 15
2.2.1. Objectives and performance targets .......................................................... 15
2.2.2. Initiatives................................................................................................... 16
2.3. Scotland.................................................................................................................. 17
2.3.1. Scottish credit and qualifications framework (SCQF) .............................. 17
2.3.2. Lifelong learning....................................................................................... 17
3. Institutional framework..................................................................................................... 19
3.1. Administrative framework ..................................................................................... 19
3.2. Legislative framework............................................................................................ 19
3.3. Role of social partners............................................................................................ 22
4. Initial vocational education and training........................................................................... 23
4.1. Overview ................................................................................................................ 23
4.2. IVET at lower secondary level ............................................................................... 27
4.3. IVET at upper secondary level ............................................................................... 28
4.4. Apprenticeship........................................................................................................ 31
4.5. Special needs and young people at risk of exclusion ............................................. 33
4.5.1. Entry level ................................................................................................. 33
4.5.2. Entry to employment................................................................................. 33
4.5.3. New Deal for young people....................................................................... 33
4.6. Vocational education and training at tertiary level................................................. 34
5. Continuing vocational training for adults ......................................................................... 36
5.1. General background and priorities ......................................................................... 36
5.2. Planning and organisation of learning.................................................................... 38