LIFELONG VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING IN KOREA: THE VISION AND TASKS

Abstract

The ideal TVET from the HRD perspectives should assist the acquisition of knowledge and qualities in individuals for their career pursuits, which are the most commonly, recognized objectives of lifelong learning. Korean government during economic development era has failed to provide detailed information about the change in future labour demand has caused difficulties for education and training providers to adjust themselves. In its transformation to an advanced, knowledge-based economy, Korea must analyze its education system – not only from the supply side, but also from the demand side. A knowledge-based society is marked by an increase in the economic value of knowledge, a shortened life cycle of knowledge, an explosive increase in knowledge, and the increasing relative importance of knowledge workers. In order to cope with these changes, HRD should be facilitated throughout the course of one's life by means of the systematization of lifelong learning, equalization of opportunities in lifelong learning, localization of lifelong learning, creation  of a data base for lifelong learning, and networking among lifelong learning systems as facilitated through the Lifelong Education Law. It is clear that Korea’s VET has greatly contributed to economic and social developments in the past, but with the advent of the knowledge based economy and unprecedented global competition, Korea is facing really profound changes and is in need of a paradigmatic shift in vocational education and training.