International Journal of Vocational Education Studies
The International Journal of Vocational Education Studies (IJVES) publishes current findings on vocational education and training (VET), focusing on the analysis and further development of VET. The journal aims to strengthen the international academic exchange of selected research results from different countries, thereby networking the international community. The journal and its articles are intended for the academic community as well as decision-makers in the field of VET. The goal is to make research results from vocational education studies accessible to an international audience and to inform about current developments in VET. The journal acknowledges that VET in different countries is studied not only from an educational perspective but also from other disciplines, such as political science, sociology, and economics.
The journal is published biannually (spring and autumn) by transcript.
2025-03-21
We are pleased to announce that our application for indexing in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) has been successful. DOAJ curates and provides access to high-quality, open-access, peer-reviewed journals. You can find our entry here.
Call for Papers: Vol. 3, Issue 1/2026
2024-12-09
Curriculum Development and Implementation
The term curriculum in this issue encompasses the intended, the implemented and the achieved curriculum. The exploration of curriculum in VET is pivotal. Curricula must not only respond to the evolving demands of labour markets but also anticipate future skills needs, ensuring that learners are equipped with both the technical competencies and the transversal skills required for sustainable careers. A deep understanding of curriculum structures and their development and implementation — from the development of national frameworks to the implementation of specific programs in local contexts — provides crucial insights into how VET systems can achieve their mandates of fostering employability and contributing to social equity and personality development.
Vol 2 No 1 (2025): Focus: Vocational Education and Training Systems Between School and Company
From an international perspective, a variety of alternating or cooperative vocational education and training (VET) approaches are emerging, with the aim of enhancing graduates' employability and facilitating their integration into the labor market and society. The challenge of youth unemployment is a central concern within this context. Much attention is given to the development of (dual) apprenticeships, while in numerous countries, longstanding dual VET models are undergoing modernization efforts to address contemporary challenges. The advancement of alternating learning stands out as a key focus in the modernization of VET systems globally. Alternating learning involves a blend of school-based (theoretical) and company-based (practical) vocational education and training. However, what initially appears harmonious often reveals underlying conflicts of interest between public goals of fostering youth development and private objectives of skill development. The international landscape for standardizing VET exhibits diverse starting points and developmental trajectories. Issue 3 of IJVES aims to showcase examples of VET system modernization, particularly in the interplay between school and company-based learning environments.
Published: 2025-05-05
