Abstract
If educational processes are viewed in broad, non-formal terms as aspects of 'upbringing' (White 1997:83), then vocational studies is as old and, since it is vital to survival and reproduction, arguably older than any other form of education. The concept of apprenticeship - an historically important component in accounts of vocational education and training (VET) - provides a useful entry point here. If apprenticeship is conceived in terms of teaching/learning processes whereby a novice or initiate is enabled to achieve mastery in a particular sphere of activity, then such vocationalism must date back to the very earliest times when humans first organised themselves into distinct communities.