This book provides an integrated treatment of the relationship between political economy and vocational education at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Approaching the subject from a philosophical perspective the author engages with debates about* the work-related aims of education * the moral and spiritual significance of work * the conceptualisation of political economy * high-skill economies and vocational education* the 'end of work' thesis* the relationship between education and training in vocational education * future work patterns * the educational consequences of the economic theories of influential economists such as Smith, Mill, Marx, Marshall and Keynes.This is an essential and ground-breaking study for academics and students of business studies, economics, political economy, and the sociology of work. It will equally be of interest to policy makers concerned with the future development of vocational education and training.