This report presents a synthesis of the findings of a participatory action research (PAR) project with a focus on policies and practices for social inclusion and social cohesion in vocational education and training (VET) systemsin nine case study countries.
The research methodology was designed with a specific focus on three carefully chosen vocational schools and training centres in the case study countries to investigate the main barriers and potential opportunities for building inclusive VET systems. The research was conducted by a team of researchers from ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ in conjunction with nine country case study teams in South Eastern Europe, Turkey and Israel from July to October 2013.
The overall objective of this research project has been to improve the impact of vocational education andtraining (VET) at secondary school level on social inclusion and social cohesion in the countries of South Eastern Europe, Turkey and Israel by deepening the understanding of the main barriers and potential opportunities for building inclusive and equitable VET systems in these countries.
This report provides a synthesis of nine country case reports in the region carried out by local research teams based on a participatory action research methodology. This process engaged practitioners, policy makers and other key stakeholders in a reflective process of problem solving through in-depth interviews at national and local level, combined with student and teacher surveys in three upper-secondary level vocational schools ineach country.
In all, 84 in-depth interviews were conducted with key stakeholders and 223 interviews wereheld in schools and local communities. These, together with 745 teacher questionnaires and 2,862 studentquestionnaires, form the evidence base of this report.
This synthetic report is intended to serve as a tool to inform policy makers and practitioners in the VET sector and employment services, social welfare and health services with the aim of supporting the development of inclusive education in the VET sector that formed the focus of the study.