Historical antecedents as precedents for nanotechnology vocational education training and workforce development

Abstract

In an attempt to inform how to approach nanotechnology vocational education training (nanoVET), this article briefly discusses the history of the development of vocational education training (VET) in the United States during the past century. The history of nanotechnology development and the current advances in this emerging field are discussed in the context of workforce development and the challenges it poses to human resource development (HRD) professionals. Concerned with the lack of educators and educational policy experts in the dialogue on nanotechnology and the need for multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinary employability skills curricula for nanotechnology, this article argues for a different approach to VET that endorses the democratic ideals proposed by Dewey, in preparing students for challenges in nanotechnology careers. The article argues that the multi-, trans-, and inter-disciplinary nature of nanotechnology require that nanoVET should be guided by history and be modeled within the comprehensive democratic approach advanced by Dewey. The article concludes with a discussion on the implications for HRD practice, research, and theory. © SAGE Publications 2011.