The engagement of the private sector is at the heart of every meaningful VSD system. No state in the world can offer meaningful quality vocational education and training on its own. While the design of the national training policy and VET systems development is one of the core functions of the state, it is widely recognised that, in the interests of efficiency and effectiveness and quality, the state shall share this responsibility with private stakeholders in response to changing labour market requirements. Private sector involvement thus provides the basis for change from supply-driven and state-dominated VET to market-oriented VET. In addition, the nature of skills development today requires close links with the private sector because a well-functioning public-private collaboration is a prerequisite for high quality hands-on vocational training in companies.
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The study aims to analyse the widespread postulate stating that the engagement of the business sector in vocational education and training (VET) can enhance the relevance, quality and attractiveness of VET. In concrete terms, the study examines the forms which such an engagement can take and how these can be integrated into a country’s frame conditions and objectives. In a conceptual section, first a reference framework is developed that embraces complex interconnections and focuses on the key factors of engagement. From the reference framework, possible areas of engagement for involving the business sector are derived. They then need to be evaluated under the specific, different national frame conditions and implemented where appropriate.
The present paper gives the synthesis of the e-discussion on collaboration with the private sector in vocational skills development (VSD) hosted by the e+i VSD network of SDC in March 2015. The objectives of the e-discussion were to (i) exchange information and experience on good practices and innovative interventions in collaborating with the private sector, (ii) highlight the specific role of collaboration with the private sector in VSD, (iii) provide practice-orientated recommendations, and (iv) deliver key inputs and food for thought for the face-to-face event in April 2015. Starting point of the discussion was an input paper. The network discussed three areas of collaboration with the private sector. The synthesis follows this structure, brings out the main insights of the three discussion topics and concludes with selected open issues as food for thought.