Trends in Vocational Education and Training Research, Vol. III. Proceedings of the European Conference on Educational Research (ECER), Vocational Education and Training Network (VETNET)

This year has been special. The European Conference on Educational Research ECER 2020, which was to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, was cancelled. We would have loved to meet in person to discuss recent research findings and to share new and innovative ideas. Due to Covid-19, this was not possible. Given the special situation, we are even more pleased to present the 2020 edition of the ECER proceedings, Trends in Vocational Education and Training Research, Vol. III as a contribution to support communication amongst researchers and to contribute to policy and practice. The present publication includes more than 30 papers that illustrate planned, ongoing and completed VET research. All papers are based on double-blind peer-reviewed abstracts that were accepted for presentation at the ECER in Glasgow. Final papers were commented by VETNET board members and supported authors in revising their contributions. 

The papers address initial, continuing and higher vocational education and training, the advancement of individual careers, the education and training of VET educators, and the regional, national and international development of VET through diverse measures. The wide scope of topics positions VET research as a multi-thematic and multi-disciplinary endeavour. VET research addresses questions at the societal, organisational and individual levels – without losing the focus on what’s important: to educate and train people and to allow them to fulfil their potential through vocational education and training. 

VETNET is a network of researchers interested in exploring societal, policy, governance, organisational, institutional and individual factors that shape and explain vocational education, learning and training across the lifespan. It welcomes members and contributions from all over the world. With its publications, VETNET aims to foster knowledge sharing and mutual learning among researchers and between research, practice and policy. The publications help to keep up with current projects and emerging topics in VET, encourage discussion and cooperation, and support the establishment of a visible and influential European landscape of VET research. 

VETNET builds on the expertise and the commitment of its members – we appreciate all valuable contribution to the proceedings and other VETNET activities – whether in person, online or in written, let’s stay in contact.

Bern and London, 10 November 2020

Dr Christof Nägele, VETNET chair / link convenor

University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Education

Professor Dr Barbara E. Stalder, VETNET chair / link convenor

Bern University of Teacher Education

Dr Natasha Kersh, VETNET programme chair 2020

UCL Institute of Education, Education Practice and Society, London