Research
The VETprep project is an ambitious undertaking that aims to shed light on the complex factors influencing the success of vocational education and training (VET) programs across Europe. Through a multi-faceted research approach, the project seeks to identify best practices, challenges, and opportunities for improvement in the VET sector. By employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, VETprep will provide a
comprehensive understanding of the current state of VET and its potential for driving positive change in the lives of students and society as a whole.
At the heart of the VETprep research activities is a commitment to evidence-based policymaking and inclusive practices. The project recognizes that VET programs serve a diverse range of students, each with unique needs and aspirations. As such, the research will focus not only on the overall effectiveness of VET but also on the specific factors that contribute to the success of different student populations. By examining the interplay between educational policies, protective factors, and actions from other welfare areas, VETprep aims to identify strategies for encouraging student ownership and motivation in their educational transitions.
The main research activities of VETprep are structured around five interrelated work packages (WP2-WP6), each designed to contribute to a holistic understanding of the VET landscape. These work packages will employ a range of methodologies, including document analysis, register analysis, longitudinal surveys, and qualitative interviews, to capture the complexities of the VET sector from multiple perspectives. By leveraging the
strengths of each approach, VETprep will generate a wealth of data and insights that can inform policy decisions and drive positive change.
Ultimately, the goal of VETprep’s research activities is to empower stakeholders at all levels – from students and teachers to policymakers and employers – to create a more effective, inclusive, and transformative VET system. By providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing VET, the project will lay the foundation for evidence-based strategies that can unlock the full potential of vocational education and training as a driver of social and economic progress. Through its commitment to rigorous research, inclusive practices, and empowering outcomes,
VETprep represents a significant step forward in our understanding of the transformative power of education.
Main research questions:
RQ1: What are the pre- and post-COVID-19 participation and retention rates for VET students, considering diverse social, economic, geographical, and educational backgrounds across Denmark, Croatia, Estonia, Scotland, and Spain?
RQ2: What factors contribute to or challenge the identification, participation, and
retention of different students in VET across the five countries?
RQ3: How do education policies and activities converge with protective factors and
actions to encourage and motivate student ownership in their educational transition?
RQ4: How can educational policies and strategies qualify VET programs to effectively
recruit, engage, and retain today’s youth?