Changes in vocational education and training (VET) affect the work of vocational teachers. To gain in-depth and novel knowledge of the changing work of vocational teachers, the project explores their professional agency, competence and networks within and beyond schools. The multimethod and longitudinal project utilises questionnaires, empathy-based stories and personal network maps, as well as data collected through the job shadowing of teachers. In addition to data from teachers, we use on policy documents and interviews with workplace representatives. The project provides a novel theoretical model for understanding the interactions between teachers' agency, competence and networks, and their meaning for teachers' well-being and commitment to the profession. The project also offers recommendations for policy makers, vocational institutions and teacher education to support vocational teachers' meaningful work, retention in the profession and continuous learning.

2024

2028