Prologue

This chapter introduces the scope and aims of this monograph, a collection of standalone contributions. The description of the further education (FE) sector sets the contexts in England, especially the prevalence and importance of vocational education. Vocational education has been lamentably lacking in discussions on the FE sector. It will also explain and delineate the connection with a broader concept of occupational education (OE), which I have created to encompass the FE sector, higher education, and professional education. OE is a new research area in education that intersects work, teaching, and learning. The chapter will introduce the four book chapters, and a final one will bring this introductory chapter to a close.