The importance of close connections between vocational education and training (VET) systems and industry is highlighted in this report, particularly as Australia and Korea aim to meet the demands of globalised and knowledge-based economies. Tae-Hwa Jung, Josie Misko, Kisung Lee, Susan Dawe, Sun Yee Hong and Kwan-Choon Lee find that any system of entry-level training, which aims to help students make a successful transition from school to work, must have support mechanisms and frameworks in place to enable accurate assessment of industry and labour market needs.

From Australia's perspective, the Korean experience provides useful insights to improving school retention rates, and establishing formal pathways for VET students who are not undertaking apprenticeships and traineeships. From the Korean perspective, useful lessons include developing inter-sectoral linkages between industry and education, applying flexible teaching and training methods, implementing a national qualifications framework, and introducing apprenticeship-type arrangements.