Continuity and change in policy and practice: The case of the competently trained

Abstract

This paper proposes some new ways of understanding the relationship between policy and practice in vocational education and training (VET) in Australia. It argues that contemporary policy making in VET follows a rationalistic logic where things are divided up according to the separate spheres of policy formulation and policy implementation. The argument is exemplified through considering aspects of the design and implementation of competency-based education and training. It is claimed that education and training policy making contains a paradox insofar as it enacts separation of policy and practice worlds while relying upon their inseparability for its success. Practitioners who are alert to..