Occupational Research

Occupational research includes all scientific directions that focus on the study of occupations and their effects on individuals and society. In training regulation research, for example, a distinction is made between training occupations without specialization (mono-occupations); with specializations, focal points, and optional qualifications; and with credit transfer possibilities and core occupations. The latter concept was used for the first time for IT occupations. Vocational research that is integrated into VET research must be design oriented in order to be able to take up prospective developments in the qualifications that are in demand in the economy. The analysis of vocational research from the aspect of elucidating interrelationships between its various scientific and educational planning manifestations starts from two points of reference: (1) The reference contexts labor market, enterprises, and vocational education and training form the reference points for the analysis of the questions, methods, and results of occupational research. (2) The analysis and understanding of the historical development of occupational work is an essential prerequisite for tapping the potential for shaping occupational development. In terms of research methodology, occupational research focuses on task and work process analyses to decipher the knowledge and skills incorporated in practical occupational work. The modernization of occupations and the means of occupational regulation within the framework of a comprehensive research and development program requires a research network in which scientists and institutes from all occupational disciplines are involved. This expertise research is consistently based on the novice-expert paradigm.