Research On Factors In The Policies Influencing The Social Approval Of VET

Vocational education and training(VET)is an important component of China’s modern national education system and a crucial tool for achieving national strategic goals.However,the relatively low level of social approval for VET among ordinary people in China presents a significant challenge for its development during the era of "improving quality,optimizing structure,increasing value,and building excellence." In contrast,many countries with highly regarded VET systems,such as Germany,Norway,and Australia,have gained considerable social approval.This study has chosen Australia as the object of study due to its high social approval of VET,which is supported by convincing data.Policies can help clarify the development process and trends of VET in Australia and are a common starting point for VET research.Thus,this study uses policy as a tool to answer the research question,"From what dimensions do Australian VET policies ensure social approval of VET?" Based on text analysis and supplementary data analysis of key policies in the Voced Plus database,this study found that Australian VET policy supports social approval of VET from three dimensions: the recognition of VET systems,the recognition of VET institutions,and the recognition of VET students.In terms of the recognition of VET systems,policies support the legitimacy of the system by inheriting traditional authoritative models,constructing legal authoritative models,and establishing cultural-cognitive legitimacy,thus supporting the legitimacy of the system and its social recognition.In terms of the recognition of VET institutions,policies establish corresponding channels for VET institutions to connect with industries,bridging the gap between talent supply and industry demand,and supporting the recognition of VET institutions.In terms of the recognition of VET students,policies encourage the cultivation of basic literacy and establish lifelong learning channels to support the improvement of VET students’ abilities and subsequently promote their recognition.Based on these findings,this study proposes three suggestions for the development of VET in China.Firstly,it is necessary to expand the influence of VET and strive for value recognition for relevant VET systems to establish their legitimacy.Secondly,it is necessary to narrow the gap between industry demand and VET training objectives and promote the recognition of VET institutions.Finally,it is essential to improve and guarantee the quality of VET,focus on the development of basic literacy and emerging skills relevant to the times,and promote the recognition of VET students.