Factors, Challenges and Suggestions of Technical and Vocational School Dropout Issue in Xinjiang, China

In recent years, the Chinese government has implemented a series of strategic policies aimed at promoting technical and vocational education and training (TVET), with the objective of enhancing skill development and educational access among secondary school graduates. However, despite these national efforts, technical and vocational schools (TVS) in underdeveloped regions such as Xinjiang continue to experience disproportionately high dropout rates. This study investigates the contributing factors behind student dropout in Xinjiang’s TVS and examines the challenges faced by those who leave school prematurely. Adopting a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with dropout students, teachers, and parents. Thematic analysis using NViVO revealed a multifaceted interplay of financial hardship, institutional limitations, cultural stigma, and reduced learner motivation. Furthermore, students who dropped out often encountered ongoing cultural, educational, and employment-related difficulties. The findings highlight the urgent need for systemic reforms to improve the status of vocational education, enhance institutional responsiveness, and strengthen family and community support mechanisms. A conceptual framework is proposed, integrating the core factors, challenges, and suggested interventions, offering practical insights for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders working to reduce dropout in Xinjiang’s vocational education system.