In November 2013, the LMIP hosted Simon McGrath, Professor of International Education and Development at Nottingham University, in Cape Town. Professor McGrath worked closely with the research team focusing on the post-school sector and also lent strategic input and insight into the LMIP’s research agenda.
During his visit, Professor McGrath presented an LMIP seminar entitled ‘Skills for Work and Life: Towards a Transformative Approach’. Noting the embrace of skills and work by the global development agenda, the presentation stressed the need for a more ‘transformative’ approach to thinking through work and skills, especially in Vocational Education and Training (VET). Professor McGrath argued that this would require a broader conceptualisation of these twin concepts, by highlighting both the economic and equity foundations upon which they rest. The seminar marked an important step in seeking to conceptualise a better theory of VET for human development and an improved practice of how to achieve it. The PowerPoint presentation and a full audio recording of Professor McGrath’s presentation is available online:
