2027 Crossing Boundaries in Johannesburg

Call for Papers

7th International VET Conference Crossing Boundaries
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa from 18 to 20 May 2027

As systems of work and learning evolve, vocational education is increasingly required to move across boundaries: between sectors, disciplines, institutions, and nations. This conference aims to create a space for critical dialogue, innovative research, and collaborative exchange that explores the roles of VET in addressing global challenges, as well as the conditions of possibility for VET to play these roles.

Conference Topic

Learning Across Continents: Conversations in a Divided World. Around the world, countries are facing challenges in preparing people for a rapidly changing world of work. Vocational education systems are under pressure from digitalisation, the imperative to decarbonise economies, and rising youth unemployment and underemployment. What does this all mean for VET? How do we understand the role of VET in preparing young people for work when labour markets are in flux? Is this changing the nature of VET and VET curricula? Is it raising new questions for work, labour markets, and education relationships? Is there a stable core to VET across different contexts? Are systems looking more similar or more different from each other? What are the main factors—such as workplace organisation, changing labour markets, changing enrolment in schools and universities, and the nature of the economy—that are influencing different aspects of VET? Which aspects are they influencing—such as curriculum, governance, partnerships, enrolment patterns—in different countries? How do we connect better as researchers, and use VET research to build connection? We call for papers that engage with context—both in terms of local context, and in terms of what differences different contexts seem to be making to VET systems.

Sub-Themes

Submissions may address (but are not limited to) the following sub-themes:

  • Governance, policy, and institutional change within VET
  • Sustainability and green transitions in VET 
  • Transitions and pathways across vocational, academic, and hybrid systems
  • Equity, inclusion, and social justice in vocational education 
  • Digitalisation, AI, and the future of skills and work 
  • Professional identities, teachers, and trainers in VET 
  • Work-based learning, apprenticeships, and industry partnerships 
  • Methodological innovations in VET research
  • Youth employment strategies and the relationship between skills development strategies and employment creation

Venue

The conference will be hosted at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, at the Centre for Researching Education and Labour, https://maps.app.goo.gl/hk3wBtNNKhKzjzBV6.

Build-Up Workshops

Prior to the conference, two online research seminars will be hosted, bringing into focus research agendas and research frameworks across different countries. The topics from these research seminars will be derived from discussions and debates at the ECER VETNET panel on research frameworks and priorities. These seminars will assist researchers to develop insight into shared and diverging priorities for VET systems; we will explore different aspects that emerge from that session, as a way of framing the different research papers and contributions, and finding ways to create a more cumulative body of knowledge, as opposed to only a set of separate focused papers.

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Principles of the Crossing Boundaries Conference

The following principles guide the Conference Crossing Boundaries in VET:

  • Active participation — all participants are presenters and are expected to prepare and present a full paper.
  • Interdisciplinarity — contributions from different theoretical and methodological backgrounds are welcome.
  • Small size — participation is limited to approximately 60 participants.
  • Collegiality and networking — Thursday evening is reserved for informal networking and exchange in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Keynote speakers — invited keynote speakers will address the conference focus topic.
  • Open and free — no conference registration fee is charged. Participants may be asked to contribute towards catering, transportation, or other programme-related costs (see below).

The Johannesburg-Approach to the CB

The conference will go beyond a regular academic conference: in addition to the presentation of research papers, we will have:

  • Evening team building activities such as drumming workshops, exposure to South African and African culture, and dance, as part of the conference programme
  • Reflective morning and evening sessions to focus on building a broader picture of VET research, drawing on the research presented
    • What are we learning about VET systems
    • Research priorities
    • Gaps in the research
  • A structured panel, with representation from employers, policymakers, and development agencies.
  • Open space technology will be used to build interaction throughout the conference.

Submitting a Proposal

Presentation Format

The conference follows a single presentation format: paper presentations. Presentations should last 15–20 minutes, followed by 10–15 minutes of discussion, resulting in a maximum session time of 30 minutes. All sessions will be chaired to ensure adherence to the schedule.

Submission and Review Process

Abstracts will be selected through a double-blind peer-review process. Selection criteria include:

  • Conceptual and theoretical framework
  • Clarity of the research question(s)
  • Methodological and empirical foundation
  • Originality
  • Contribution of new insights

In addition, we aim to include perspectives from different countries and a diverse range of research groups. To maintain the conference’s interactive character and small-scale format, the organisers reserve the right to limit the number of participants and accepted contributions.

Abstract Submission

Abstracts should be approx. 1,000 words and must be prepared using the template available here: https://drive.switch.ch/index.php/s/Redldt4dG8rCpJK

To ensure anonymous review, please remove all author names from in-text citations and the reference list, replacing them with Author and publication year.

Abstracts must be submitted via: https://www.vetnetconf.net/

Full Papers and Publication

If an abstract is accepted, submission of a full paper is a prerequisite for participation in the conference.

Full papers should be 2,000–4,000 words in length, excluding the title, author biographies, tables, figures, and reference list.

All accepted papers will be published by VETNET/OAPublishing and will be available online and as a print-on-demand volume. The 7th edition of Innovations in VET Research will be published shortly before the conference, ensuring that all contributions are available to participants before the event.

Deadlines

  • Submission of abstracts: 15 November 2026
  • Notification of acceptance: 15 December 2026
  • Submission of full paper: 20 February 2027
  • Feedback to your paper: 31 March 2027
    You will then have 10 days to make the necessary corrections.
  • The conference proceedings will be available shortly before the conference.

Programme-Related Costs

To make the most of the unique conference location and to foster an uninterrupted and immersive conference experience, the organisers have arranged a shared social and cultural programme alongside the academic sessions. This programme includes:

  • Conference lunches on all conference days and two conference dinners.
  • Evening social and cultural activities, including drumming, music, dance, and opportunities to experience South African and broader African cultures.
  • Reflective morning and evening sessions that bring participants together to develop a broader understanding of current developments in VET research by drawing on the papers and discussions presented throughout the conference. Topics will include:
    • What are we learning about VET systems?
    • Current and emerging priorities for VET research.

To cover the costs of this programme, participants are asked to make a contribution of €200. Payment will be requested only after the acceptance of the submitted contribution.

Hosting Beyond the Conference in South Africa

The REAL Centre will prepare recommendations on tourism options for those who want to maximize their visit to South Africa. Soth Africa has a wealth of natural beauty—mountains, beaches, and game parks—as well as vibrant cities.

Safety and Security

Many colleagues from VETNET have travelled, and continue to travel, regularly to South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa. Their experiences have consistently been positive, and they have felt safe throughout their visits. While travel advisories issued by some governments can initially appear concerning, it is important to interpret these within a broader global context, as similar guidance is often provided for many major destinations worldwide.

As with travel anywhere, including large cities in Europe and elsewhere, sensible precautions are key. Visitors are encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings, use reputable transport options, safeguard personal belongings, and follow guidance provided by local hosts and organisers. These are standard practices that contribute to a safe and enjoyable travel experience in any international setting.

It is also worth remembering that our South African colleagues live and work in this environment every day. They have a strong understanding of local conditions and are committed to ensuring that all conference participants feel welcomed, supported, and secure. They would not invite international delegates if they believed the circumstances posed an unacceptable risk.

South Africa offers a vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich experience, and we are confident that, with appropriate awareness and support, participants will find their visit both safe and rewarding.

Organizing Committee

We look forward to welcoming you to Johannesburg in May 2027 for another inspiring Crossing Boundaries conference.

Prof. Dr Stephanie Matseleng Allais
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Prof Presha Ramsarup
University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

Dr Christof Nägele
University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland and University of Basel

Direct any questions to crossing.boundaries@vetnetsite.org.

Innovations in VET Research – The Papers from the CB Conference

  • 2015 Bremen: Innovative Concepts for the 21st Century, here.
  • 2017 Rostock: Social Dimensions and Participation in Vocational Education, here.
  • 2019 Valencia: Pedagogical Concerns and Market Demands in VET, here
  • 2021 Muttenz/Basel and Bern: Pathways in Vocational Education and Training and Lifelong Learning, here.
  • 2023 Kaunas: Vocational Education and Training Transformations for Digital, Sustainable and Socially Fair Future, here.
  • 2025 Palma: Towards Inclusive and Egalitarian Vocational Education and Training: Key Challenges and Strategies from a Holistic and Multi-contextual Approach, here.

If you have any questions, please email crossing.boundaries@vetnetsite.org