The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has recently published an article arguing that access to vocational training will be critical to ensure more young people can meet increasing demands for skilled workers and adapt to and benefit from the profound changes spurred by the green and digital transformations.
OECD data demonstrate in fact that 44% of all upper secondary students are enrolled in vocational education and training (VET) across its member countries. Despite this high share, vocational programs are still seen as a last resort in too many countries.
Vocational training can help bridge the divide between schooling and employment and improve learning outcomes by providing skills best acquired at work, according to the report. Strengthening the involvement of industry in VET should be a priority. Less than half of all upper secondary VET students are enrolled in programs that include elements of work-based learning.
Ensuring stronger pathways between VET and other levels of education would help. On average across OECD countries, a quarter of VET students are enrolled in upper secondary programs without direct access to tertiary education. Vocational programs must provide the required qualifications to continue studying at tertiary level. More tertiary programs also need to be designed to be built on the skills that vocational graduates have.
Better and earlier career guidance is key. Young people need access to effective career guidance to encourage them to explore more employment opportunities from an early age. Students should also be able to visit workplaces and interact with a range of workers before they have to make any final decisions.
“This year’s Education at a Glance identifies opportunities to strengthen the role of education systems in empowering young people to succeed and ensuring merit-based equality of opportunity. The number of young adults with upper secondary qualifications across the OECD is improving, up from 82 per cent of 25 to 34-year-olds in 2015 to 86 per cent in 2022,” OECD Secretary-General Mathias Cormann said. “However, young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds continue to fall behind. Countries need to focus on closing education gaps and provide more support to disadvantaged students and schools to give more young people the opportunity for a productive career, pay and prospects.”