Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all those who contributed their time and experience to this study, particularly the VET learners who took part in interviews and focus groups. My sincere thanks also go to the project coordinators who helped arrange focus groups in their colleges.

I am grateful to my colleagues in Léargas and the project partners – particularly the project coordinator, Michal Pachocki – for their support. Finally, I thank my late father Dr Gerard Hughes for his guidance and notes on the text.