This document discusses vocational education and its effects. It finds that vocational education reduces unemployment odds and chances of an unskilled job. The advantages are greatest where vocational education is specific rather than general. Graduates of vocational education attain lower occupational prestige than academic graduates. This disadvantage is most significant where vocational education also serves as an effective safety net. So diversion and safety net effects are two sides of the same coin. Recent government changes have intensified national discussions to rethink the split between education and economic ministries, with more recognition for vocational education.

2. Where do we Stand?

3. Vocational Students by Year
(Based on data published by CBS)
Vocational Classes by Year

4. Positive Effects

5. Safety-net and Hierarchy
We find that in most countries secondary vocational education
reduced the odds of unemployment, and the chances of
someone entering the labor force as an unskilled worker. The
advantages associated with vocational education are most
pronounced in countries where vocational secondary education
is specific rather than general. Third, graduates of
vocational secondary education attain lower occupational
prestige than that attained by graduates of academic tertiary
education. This disadvantage of vocational education is most
pronounced in countries where vocational education also serves
as an effective safety net. This is an important finding because it
means that 'diversion' and 'safety net' effects are not mutually
exclusive but are the flip side of the same coin.

6. The National Discussion:
The New Call for VET
Recent government
change has intensified
national discussions about
vocational education.
Thinking anew about the
split between the
ministries of Education
and Economics, with more
recognition for VET.

7. History
Religion
Gender
Army Service
Flexible
Program
Company
Involvement
Parent Support
Job Availability
Teacher
Preparation
The Dilemmas