WISE Book Probes Education-Employment Gap

Latest WISE Book "Learning a Living: Radical Innovation in Education for Work" offers tangible solutions to rebuilding the relationship between education and the world of work.

DOHA, Qatar, Nov. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - The World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) has launched Learning a Living: Radical Innovation in Education for Work, a 160-page book that explores ways to improve links between education and today's rapidly changing job markets.

The publication is based on 15 case studies and personal stories emerging from forward-thinking educational projects around the world that were identified through the WISE community, including winners of the WISE Awards which showcase and promote educational projects that have a transformative effect upon society.

The book focuses on a critical issue: the failure of education systems to equip students adequately for today's labor market, and consequently to become productive members of their societies.  With the number of college graduates rising, unemployment rates among under-25-year-olds have reached virtually unprecedented levels around the world.  Examples from countries such as the United States, where 1.4 trillion dollars* are spent on education each year, while the youth unemployment rate rises steadily, illustrate the disconnect between education and employment, and reinforce the need to find new ways to bridge the skills gap.

Through statistics, interviews, case studies and photographs, the latest WISE Book highlights the need for innovation in preparing students for work and life in the 21st century.  Learning a Living argues that change is necessary in both education systems and the workplace, but the implications go further and readers are drawn to a suitably important conclusion: Making it easier to acquire skills is no longer enough; today's students must also acquire entrepreneurial values in order to create the opportunities that will make a real difference for themselves and society.

The authors are a team of innovation specialists: Valerie Hannon, Sarah Gillinson and Leone Shanks. WISE also commissioned photographer Reza Deghati (known as Reza) to create vivid images that bring the case studies to life.

For more information, as well as photographs, video and commentary from the world tour and the making of the book, please visit: www.wise-qatar.org/content/making-2012-wise-book

The book "Learning a Living: Radical Innovation in Education for Work" is published by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing. A paperback edition and an electronic edition of the book will be available internationally (price £24.99) as of January 2013. 

SOURCE: World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE)

Media contact : Adeline Deliau - [email protected] - [phone]