Policy Changes and Research Issues Concerning Technical Training Colleges that Have Responded to the Employment Problems of Young People

Abstract

This paper discusses policy changes and research issues related to professional training colleges that have responded to the employment problems of young people.

First, the changes in the environment surrounding young people that have occurred in Japan since 2000 are discussed, and the development of comprehensive policies for young people in the government as a whole and, specifically, in three ministries is clarified. Second, the evolution of policies related to professional training colleges, which responded rapidly to the employment problems of young people caused by the changes in the environment surrounding young people, is also clarified.

Third, we continue our review of research trends related to the three pillars necessary for the promotion of professional training colleges (improvement of human resource development functions, quality assurance and improvement, and assurance of a safety net for learning) in response to the employment problems of young people, and find that all three pillars of research are still in their early stages, with many ongoing issues to be addressed. Therefore, further promotion of professional training colleges’ education research is required in the future.