The Competence Movement and the National Vocational Qualification Framework: The Widening Parameters of Research

Abstract

Abstract This paper outlines the emergence of the competence movement in British education and training, and summarises some salient perspectives from the growing body of research. In this general context it introduces the six papers brought together in this issue. These draw on current work in progress and explore a variety of facets of the competence movement drawing on sociological, historical and comparative European perspectives. In the course of the discussion it is suggested that more work is needed on two fronts particularly: detailed scrutiny of the social context in which the competence movement has emerged and the development of broader frameworks of research for the analysis of ‘impact’ issues.