Engaging Industry – Glossary
Agency: In the context of this paper, agency refers to the capacity of employers to act independently and make choices within the VET system.
Bioregion: A specific geographic area characterized by natural boundaries and specific regional attributes, in this case referring to England’s Northwest region.
Case Study: A research method that involves the detailed examination of a single instance or event: a case, to explore or illustrate broader principles or results.
Collective Employer Agency: Actions taken by a group of employers working together to influence or engage with VET programs, often for mutual benefit.
Constrained Employer Agency: A form of employer action in the VET context that is limited or restricted by external factors such as policy or institutional frameworks.
Employer Engagement: The involvement of employers in the design, implementation, and evaluation of VET programs to ensure that these programs meet industry needs.
High-skill: Relating to occupations or economic sectors that require a high level of expertise and typically higher educational qualifications.
Implementation: The process of putting a decision or plan into effect, in the context of VET, this refers to the actual rollout of educational and training programs.
Individualized Employer Agency: Actions taken independently by individual employers to engage with or influence VET systems according to their specific needs and capacities.
Institutional: Pertaining to established laws, practices, and customs within a particular organization or society that influence collective behavior.
Planning: The process of making plans for something, such as developing strategies and setting goals for VET initiatives within an organizational or policy context.
Policy Stakeholders: Individuals or groups with an interest in or influence over policy development, including those within governmental, educational, and industrial sectors.
Progressive Employer Agency: An advanced or forward-thinking approach by employers to engage with VET programs, often incorporating innovative practices or ideas.
VET (Vocational Education and Training): Education and training that provides the necessary skills and knowledge for employment. VET programs are typically focused on practical and vocational skills.