Call for Papers: Issue 4

History of VET

The International Journal of Vocational Education Studies is pleased to announce a call for papers for the thematic section of issue four dedicated to the "History of Vocational Education and Training". We invite scholars from various disciplines to submit their manuscripts that explore the multifaceted history of vocational education and training (VET) across different regions, cultures, approaches, sectors, and time periods.

This call for papers aims to bring together a diverse range of studies and perspectives to enrich our understanding of how vocational education and training have shaped and been shaped by historical forces. We encourage submissions that offer new insights and foster a deeper appreciation of VET's role in societal development.

The aim of this thematic section is to shed light on the evolution, impact, and significance of vocational education and training throughout history. We are particularly interested in papers that address, but are not limited to, the following themes:

Origins and Development: The historical roots of VET in different societies and/or sectors. Papers can investigate the initial forms of VET in medieval guilds and early modern apprenticeships, tracing how these early practices laid the groundwork for contemporary VET systems. Additionally, studies on intellectual history are also welcome.

Policy and Legislation: The role of governmental policies and legislation in shaping VET systems. Submissions may examine key laws, reforms, and policy decisions that have influenced the development and transformation of VET, as well as the political and economic factors driving these changes.

Institutional Histories: Case studies of specific vocational institutions, their foundation, and development. These papers can highlight the unique trajectories of technical schools, community colleges and trade schools, detailing their impact on local and national education landscapes.

Curriculum and Pedagogy: Evolution of vocational curricula and teaching methods over time. Contributions might analyse shifts in vocational educational content, the introduction of competency-based training, and the pedagogical innovations that have enhanced practical and theoretical instruction in VET.

Social and Economic Impact: The influence of VET on social mobility, economic development, and workforce dynamics, as well as the impact of social groups such as unions and international organizations on the development of VET.

Cultural Perspectives: Comparative studies on the cultural attitudes towards vocational education in various regions and epochs. Submissions could investigate how cultural values, beliefs, and traditions have influenced the perception and status of vocational training in various societies.

Technological Advances: The impact of technological changes on VET and its adaptation. Authors might examine how industrial revolutions, technological innovations, and digital advancements have transformed vocational curricula, tools, and training methodologies.

Gender and Vocational Education: Historical perspectives on gender roles within vocational education are crucial. Papers may explore how VET has been gendered, the participation of women and men in different trades, and the efforts to promote gender equity in VET throughout history.

Globalization and International Perspectives: The spread and adaptation of vocational education models in the context of globalization. Submissions might analyse how globalization has influenced VET policies, the transfer of training programs between countries, and international collaborations in VET.

This issue will be published in October 2025, and the deadline for submissions is February 28, 2025. It is the practice of this journal to publish slightly longer papers than usual; the editors do not limit the length of a paper, but ask that authors not submit excessively long works (approx. 35 pages).

The editors also invite other contributions to this issue. Besides the thematic section it is possible to submit a paper for the general section or the forum. Book reviews are also invited. For further information please see our website.

If you are interested in submitting a paper, please contact the editorial office [ijves@uos.de] with a brief message stating your research proposal so that we can plan and organize the upcoming issue accordingly. When submitting your paper, please follow the instructions provided on our website.