Choosing Vocational or Academic Pathways at Upper Secondary Schools

Context: Increasing vocational education and training (VET) participation has widely been emphasized by education authorities, and Iceland is no exception. Regardless, the majority of young people choose general education pathways at the upper secondary education level rather than VET. The aim of the study is to understand what influences students to choose vocational rather than academic pathway at upper secondary school and how their views and experiences at school differ. Approach: The Icelandic Youth Survey was administered to all upper secondary school students in Iceland during the school year 2023-2024 (33% overall response rate), and included questions on rationale for choice, views on the purpose and importance of their studies, and school engagement (interest, participation, and social relations) in relation to their educational choice (vocational or academic). Findings: The findings compare students enrolled in VET and academic pathways on the reasons provided for their choice as well as their views and attitudes towards their studies and school engagement. Preliminary analysis shows that these groups of students provide different reasons for their educational choice, and that VET students generally have greater interest in their studies and believe that it prepares them well for the future. Academic students on the other hand show higher social engagement with the school community and their peers. Conclusions: The results provide insights into how upper secondary school students frame and experience their choice of either academic or vocational pathway.