Workplace Relevance and Improvement Priorities in Fisheries High School Vocational Education

This study explored fisheries and maritime practitioners’ perceptions of vocational education in fisheries high schools and identified priorities for improving its workplace relevance. Nine practitioners from tugboat operations, distant-water fishing, and international fisheries observer work were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. Three occupationally grouped focus group interviews, each involving three participants and lasting 60–80 minutes, were conducted between October and November 2025. Data were analyzed thematically, comparing similarities and differences across groups. Participants identified short-term career orientations and passive learning attitudes among some new entrants; gaps between school knowledge and workplace language, equipment, and tasks; limited hands-on training; and constraints related to prolonged service at sea, compensation, and career prospects. Suggested improvements included stronger career guidance, career-specific practical education, progressively structured onboard training, workplace expert participation, and improved working conditions and retention support. The findings highlight the need to connect individual competencies, curricula, training practices, and labor market conditions.