The OECD report provides the Department with a further source of independent and outward looking evidence to support policy development. It compares and benchmarks postsecondary vocational education and training in Northern Ireland in an international context – providing valuable evidence on best practice and highlighting where lessons can be learnt. While the Department will consider the findings of the OECD report in detail, it has prepared an initial response to the key challenges identified.
As part of its Research Agenda 2012-15 the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) participated in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) review of postsecondary vocational education and training (VET) – ‘Skills beyond School’ initiative.