Youth Futures Foundation Commission on VET2050
VET2050 aims to articulate an ambitious, sustainable vision for England’s vocational education and training (VET) system, with a clear roadmap to achieve this vision by 2050. The project’s north-star goal is to raise youth participation in education and employment to the highest level among OECD countries through practicable, system-wide reform.
Vocational education and training plays a critical role in preparing young people for skilled careers, supporting lifelong learning, and providing employers with a pipeline of talent. Despite its importance, England’s VET system faces persistent challenges—underinvestment, low public perception, and frequent policy shifts. VET2050 seeks to reimagine VET as an attractive, high-quality pathway that equips learners with the skills to thrive in work and life, while promoting social mobility and economic growth.
Funded by the Youth Futures Foundation (YFF), VET2050 will assess the current state of VET in England, identify key domains for reform, and develop actionable strategies to deliver meaningful change. Through collaboration with policymakers, scholars, and practitioners, the initiative will craft a vision and implementation roadmap that ensures VET supports school-to-work transitions, lifelong careers, and employer needs.
Scope:
- Comprehensive review of England’s VET system and its trajectory
- Identification of priority areas for reform
- Development of a long-term vision and roadmap to 2050
- Engagement with stakeholders through workshops and consultations
VET2050 aims to position England as a global leader in youth education and employment participation, underpinned by a world-class vocational education system.
Project Team:
Terence Hogarth (IER) - Principal Investigator
Project Duration:
May 2025 - Apr 2026
Project Funder:
