A Comparative Study of the Vocational Education Systems and Occupational Classification Standards of Korea and Finland

Abstract

Nowadays, a critical task for any nation is the raising of the competency and skill levels of its human resources in order to keep pace with raid industrial and social change, facilitating the transition to a "knowledge-based society." A systematic strategy is needed to meet there emerging needs at a national level as well as at local and individual levels. Using the education system of a nation that has already made the transition from an industrial to a knowledge-based society and continues its development for this comparative study. Especially, it will help to show how a framework, which integrates national standard occupational classifications with a vocational education system, can be constructed to support the lifelong learning needs of individuals throughout their working lives. From this perspective this research uses Finland's vocational education system and standard occupational classification system as respective benchmarks for Korea's VES and occupational classifications. Finland's systems were selected as benchmarks because of the country's successful transition to a knowledge-based society and its continuing educational reforms to help it maintain it's leading position among advanced nations in this area. By conducting this comparative study in the context of Finland's education and vocational education systems, it is intended to draw inferences about the future development and direction of Korea's own vocational education system in a knowledge-based society.