ABSTRACT
This chapter sets the scene for the final section of the book by taking stock of where PCE as a sector appears to be positioned as we start the second decade of the twentyfirst century. A discussion of the distance which has developed between the ideas and practices of teaching and learning and the approaches of government is followed by a consideration of the most powerful themes and issues which seem likely to steer the sector and the work of teachers in PCE for the next several years, namely economic recovery, employer engagement, customer care and workforce development. We close the chapter with a reminder of what we believe teachers could claim as their priorities for the future rather than have others set the agenda for them.
