Choosing vocational education: some views from young people in West Yorkshire

Swift, John S.; Fisher, Roy

doi:10.1080/13596748.2012.673890

Cited by 10 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…The great variety of vocational courses (also in terms of levels) may be more of a liability than a blessing, however, as students with vocational qualifications in England struggle for recognition by employers and providers of higher education (Steedman, Wagner, & Foreman, 2003; Wolf, 2011). The limited social value of vocational qualifications in England has not helped to diminish the prestige gap with the academic track (Swift & Fisher, 2012). This large difference in prestige could explain why, in comparison to other European countries, so few youngsters are enrolled in vocational tracks in the UK (31.4 percent) (OECD, 2010: Table C1.4).…”

Section: Educational Track and Political Participationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Widening the participation gap: The effect of educational track on reported voting in England

Janmaat¹,

Mostafa²,

Hoskins

2014

Journal of Adolescence

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Section: Educational Track and Political Participationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Widening the participation gap: The effect of educational track on reported voting in England

Janmaat¹,

Mostafa²,

Hoskins

2014

Journal of Adolescence

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“…Where local authorities and others have begun to pay more attention to school food the priorities have been providing healthier meals [26], a pattern reflected in the issues prioritised for one borough as described above. Gardening has been perceived as 'nice to do' or something for less able pupils, associated with vocational skills which are historically under-valued in the UK education system [27]. This means that any city-wide strategy is struggling to progress in the face of non-supportive policy contexts, which leaves them working as niche innovators [2,28].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Every City a Food Growing City? What Food Growing Schools London Reveals about City Strategies for Food System Sustainability

2018

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Cities have emerged as leaders in food system innovation and transformation, but their potential can be limited by the absence of supportive governance arrangements. This study examined the value of Food Growing Schools London (FGSL) as a programme seeking city-wide change through focusing on one dimension of the food system. Mixed methods case study research sought to identify high-level success factors and challenges. Findings demonstrate FGSL’s success in promoting food growing by connecting and amplifying formerly isolated activities. Schools valued the programme’s expertise and networking opportunities, whilst strategic engagement facilitated new partnerships linking food growing to other policy priorities. Challenges included food growing’s marginality amongst priorities that direct school and borough activity. Progress depended on support from individual local actors so varied across the city. London-wide progress was limited by the absence of policy levers at the city level. Experience from FGSL highlights how city food strategies remain constrained by national policy contexts, but suggests they may gain traction through focusing on well-delineated, straightforward activities that hold public appeal. Sustainability outcomes might then be extended through a staged approach using this as a platform from which to address other food issues.

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“…Financial constraints, while not a primary concern in Pilz's (2009) study, emerge in another research as a critical factor. Swift and Fisher (2012), along with Hillmert and Jacob (2003), identified financial considerations-including the high costs associated with higher education (HE) and the eagerness to commence earning-as influential in the decision-making process of students.…”

Section: Reluctance To He Among Vocational Studentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This decision-making process is further complicated by inadequate career guidance in schools, as argued by Swift and Fisher (2012). Such a lack of information can lead to poor choices and elevated dropout rates (Daniel & Watermann, 2018).…”

Section: Reluctance To He Among Vocational Studentsmentioning

confidence: 99%

The road less travelled: Exploring the reluctance of vocational students towards higher education in Portugal

Tavares,

Antunes,

Sá

et al. 2024

Euro J of Education

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Despite rising participation rates in Portugal, a gap persists between general and vocational upper secondary students' transition to higher education (HE). This study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically through content analysis of focus group discussions, to explore the factors influencing vocational students' reluctance towards higher education, amidst specific policies designed to aid their transition. Empirical findings suggest that vocational students may exhibit reservations stemming from self‐perceived academic deficiencies, impacting their self‐confidence in continuing their education at a HE level. Nevertheless, confidence in market‐valued practical skills might motivate HE consideration within a vocational domain. Their practical focus also makes HE seem less immediately applicable in the labour market. Many prioritise integration into the workforce for short‐run objectives, seeking breaks, experience and financial earnings. Aiming for earning and practicality, many lean towards the labour market over HE, even considering emigrating to achieve financial stability. The study emphasises the need for Portuguese educational policies to align vocational training with HE, supporting diverse student ambitions and holistic career paths.

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Choosing vocational education: some views from young people in West Yorkshire

Cited by 10 publications

References 17 publications

Widening the participation gap: The effect of educational track on reported voting in England

Widening the participation gap: The effect of educational track on reported voting in England

Every City a Food Growing City? What Food Growing Schools London Reveals about City Strategies for Food System Sustainability

The road less travelled: Exploring the reluctance of vocational students towards higher education in Portugal

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