The purpose of this study is to analyze discursively how the relationship between educational institutions and workplaces materializes in the position of a vocational teacher. The author focuses particularly on the requirement of vocational teachers to work in close collaboration with industry and workplaces, and to serve economic interests. The pedagogical responsibility for what happens to students at work remains with vocational teachers; however, the success of educational programs depends on the willingness of employees to offer learning opportunities to students, and to guide and evaluate student learning according to the rules set by the educational curricula.