Trends Toward a Closer Integration of Vocational Education and Human Resource Development

We would like to thank Betty Harrison, Gil McMurry, Ron Stadt and John Washburn for their comments on an earlier draft of this article. Requests for reprints should be sent to Elwood F. Holton III, School of Vocational Education, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.

New workplaces require broader skills than ever before and place intense pressures on all providers of workforce preparation to enhance the competitiveness of America's workforce. Vocational education and human resource development (HRD) are in the forefront in seeking new approaches to preparing the workforce of the future. This paper presents arguments that trends toward a closer integration of the two fields are appropriate responses to meet the challenges and should be pursued more vigorously. Historical, philosophical and practical contributions of both fields are examined as foundations of commonality upon which to build cooperative efforts. Analyses revealed substantial basis for cooperation that is largely overlooked. Integrative mechanisms and initiatives are discussed.