How to Inspire Vocational Learners and Raise Aspirations

Inspiring learners and raising aspirations lies at the heart of vocational education and training, and is central to the professional practice of teachers,work-based mentors and assessors.Raising aspirations is a complex challenge for the further education and training sector due to the range and diversity of provision and changes imposed by successive governments.In this changing policy and educational context, it is the professional practice
of all those who work in the sector that enables vocational learners to achieve their ambitions.This article aims to contribute to existing professional practice by using
evidence from educational research and theories of teaching, learning and assessment to suggest practical
strategies for inspiring and motivating learners on vocational programmes.The strategies and examples of
what works come from vocational and lifelong provision in colleges,independent training providers,workplaces and community settings.The content of this article links
to standard 3 in the Professional Standards for Teachers and Trainers in Education and Training framework
(inspire, motivate and raise aspirations of learners through your enthusiasm and knowledge) and to standard
13 (motivate and inspire learners to promote achievement and develop their skills to enable progression).