Skilling for the Future (2020 Update)

The 21st century skills of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication are necessary to prepare young people for the global workplace. Vocational and professional education and training (VPET) has a unique role to play in the future job market by providing individuals with the skills, experience and clear progression routes they need to succeed. Vocational qualifications can aid progression along career paths, and facilitate entire career changes. However, there is a common misconception that VPET is “blue-collar” education and the route for less talented students. Some, including students and their parents, still consider vocational education as a second choice to general education. To change this misconception, the HKSAR Government has rebranded “vocational education and training (VET)” in Hong Kong as “vocational and professional education and training (VPET)”. This is known as vocational education and training (VET) in Australia, as vocational and technical education and training (VTET) in Southeast Asia, as career and technical education (CTE) in the USA and as further education and training (FET) in the UK 2 . In rebranding VPET, the use of the word “professional” emphasises the grooming of the next generation of professionals equipped with both industry-specific skills and soft skills. VPET trains individuals in critical thinking, problem-solving and design thinking skills required for the 21st century workforce. Note: 2 United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization-International Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (2014). Promoting learning for the world of work. Retrieved from http://www.unevoc.unesco.org/go.php?q=Vocational%20education The 21st Century Skills and Competencies VPET in the 21st Century 11