THE IMPACT OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING ON REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

This article examines the multifaceted relationship between vocational education and training (VET) and regional economic development. Drawing upon empirical evidence from international studies and theoretical frameworks including human capital theory, the analysis demonstrates that well-designed vocational education systems contribute significantly to regional economic growth through enhanced labor productivity, reduced unemployment, and improved skills matching in local labor markets. The research synthesizes findings from OECD countries, developing economies, and emerging markets to provide a comprehensive understanding of how VET investments translate into tangible economic outcomes at the regional level. The findings suggest that regions with robust vocational education systems experience higher employment rates, better wage outcomes, and more resilient economic structures compared to those relying primarily on general academic education pathways.