What characterises upper secondary vocational education and training?

Vocational education and training (VET) attracts a very diverse range of students, including youth and adults seeking to improve their technical skills, entry into higher education or those at risk of dropping out of school. This paper reports on the state of play of upper secondary vocational education across OECD countries. Upper secondary education builds on students' basic skills and knowledge to prepare them for higher education or the labour market. In many countries, this level of education is not compulsory and it can last from two to five years. Most education systems offer...  [+] Show more

Vocational education and training (VET) attracts a very diverse range of students, including youth and adults seeking to improve their technical skills, entry into higher education or those at risk of dropping out of school. This paper reports on the state of play of upper secondary vocational education across OECD countries. Upper secondary education builds on students' basic skills and knowledge to prepare them for higher education or the labour market. In many countries, this level of education is not compulsory and it can last from two to five years. Most education systems offer different types of programmes at this level to cater to varying interests and competencies, which will prepare students to contribute fully to society. Although programmes combining learning in both the school and work environment provide numerous labour market advantages, only 11 per cent of students in upper secondary education are enrolled in combined school- and work-based programmes on average across the OECD. Students are more likely to disengage from - and even drop out of - the education system in vocational upper secondary programmes than general ones.

The paper concludes that VET can play a central role in preparing young people for work and responding to the labour market needs of the economy. While often neglected in the past, an increasing number of countries are recognising that high-quality VET can make a major contribution to economic competitiveness. The diversification of programmes offered and opportunities to pursue higher-level qualifications play a key role in ensuring that VET is able to meet labour market needs. Developing and strengthening both general and vocational programmes in upper secondary education can make education more inclusive, and strengthen the transition from school to work.

Edited excerpts from publication.