The labour market perspective on the role identities of vocational teacher educators: a case study in Malta

Abstract

The overall purpose of this qualitative study is to gain a deeper understanding of how employers, who represent the Maltese labour market, view the role identities of Vocational Teacher Educators (VTEs). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, adopting thematic analysis. Findings from this research, where it gives a voice to a group that has too often been neglected in policy and research, may help policymakers in small states to be wary of taking on board concepts related to the roles of VTEs originating from much larger countries and from the mainstream education contexts. Implications on how the relationship between the labour market and VTEs are discussed.