Vocational education, poverty and power

Abstract

Vocational Education and Training can improve living standards by raising productivity and earnings, and through its so-called ‘neighbourhood effects’. This chapter discusses the potential effects of competency upon the wellbeing of persons and nations, aswell as the restrictions that social power exercises on the use of competence in the labour market. Although competence is necessary, it is not sufficient for individuals searching for a job in the labour market.They also need certificates to compete for jobs. This is where power comes into play, as certificates are issued by institutions which are concerned about their own interests asmuch as they are about the quality of Vocational Education and Training (VET). In the English language it is common to speak about ‘education’ rather than ‘competence development’.The term ‘education’ includes both formal and informal education, as well as general education and VET. In this article, I will focus on ‘competence’ and the capacities and dispositions which enable persons to act efficiently and safely in work and everyday life.This definition includes all forms of knowledge and skills that make it possible to work and act faster, safer and in a more productive way. It should be noted that compoand-competences such as social, media or personal competences, are only part of this definition if they contribute directly to actions. For example: empathy is a very useful part of the competence to interact with patients or clients. Empathy as such is a personal trait, but would not be considered a competence in this definition.