Reforms in Vocational Education and Training in Italy, Spain and Portugal: Similar Objectives, Different Strategies

Abstract

Vocational education and training (VET) is a policy issue both at European Community level and in most, if not all, Member States. In November 1990 the Commission of the European Communities published a Proposal for a Council Decision (COM(90) 467 final) concerning an action programme for the vocational qualification of young people and their preparation for adult and working life. In policy terms the core of the Proposal is a request to the Council to endorse a minimum initial vocational entitlement of two years, leading to a recognised vocational qualification. In the words of the Proposal: ... . Member States [will do] their utmost to ensure all young people in the Community who so wish receive two or more [author's italics] years' vocational training leading to a vocational qualification, in addition to their full-time compulsory education. The two-year entitlement is to replace the commitment to a one-year minimum which formed part of a Decision of the Council adopted in December 1987. To support and supplement policies and activities of Member States aimed at concurrently providing at least one year of initial training and improving the standards of vocational training provision, the Commission launched its PETRA Action Programme in 1988. In the context of its Proposal to amend the Decision of 1987 the Commission has also proposed to consolidate and enlarge the PETRA Programme. Between 1992 and 1994 within PETRA II, inter alia, the following actions are envisaged: