Introduction: Innovations in Theory and Practice

International changes in society, including changes in economic power and management, new technology, demands for sustainability and demographic changes have challenged those who work in vocational learning sectors to consider approaches that will support workforce development and adult education. Many years and resources have been put into the formal system of vocational learning, while less government resources have been expended on informal learning systems. Pertinent questions for the formal system sector include what could and should be done to better provide vocational learning for those presently likely to pursue learning via both the formal and informal sectors. The theoretical aspects of vocational learning that support the development and understanding of vocational learning processes and practices are set out in this chapter, and an overview is offered of the diverse range of international examples of innovative approaches to vocational education theory and practice presented in this book.