The foundations of Iceland's vocational education and training (VET) system were laid in the last quarter of the 19th century and first decades of the 20th century. Many components of Iceland's VET system are based on Danish models. Most development of VET in Iceland occurred in 1966-1990. Iceland's Act of Vocational Education was passed in 1966, and the act establishing comprehensive schools was passed in 1973. In recent decades, development of VET in Iceland has been marked by an uncertainty with regard to integration of academic study and vocational study into the same educational institutions in the legal and organizational senses as well as in the sense of practice. VET is provided by many sources, including the following: public institutions; private institutions; the Institute of Continuing Education at the University of Iceland; trade unions; industrial research institutions; and large companies. Emphasis on school-based initial VET is increasing. Although many trades will clearly retain the traditional apprenticeship system, the system appears to have lost its former prominence in Iceland's educational system. (Thirty-four tables/figures are included. The following items are appended: list of abbreviations and acronyms; list of 16 major organizations involved in providing or regulating VET in Iceland; bibliography listing 44 references; and a glossary.) (MN)