ABSTRACT
This chapter is organised based on the human capital construct as the central focus. The relevant literature on human capital as well as the key concepts related to Human Resource Development (HRD) and VET comprise the major part of this chapter. Following a review of the foundation issues related to the key conceptual issues, the focus of this chapter shifts to different VET systems and operations among a number of key countries, including Germany, the UK and Japan, that have significantly influenced the Chinese VET system and reform. Finally, this chapter provides the background of the Chinese VET system, and its evolution in history and in recent years under economic reform.
