A new EU survey shows that Europeans view vocational education and training (VET) as a fast track to attractive and well-paid job opportunities.
The survey reveals strong support for vocational education and training (VET) across Europe. Most people believe VET leads to real job opportunities and solid careers:
- 85% say VET gives useful technical skills for work
- 82% think it leads to actual job opportunities
- 66% believe VET leads to well‑paid jobs
Over half of respondents say the main reason people choose VET is to start working and earning money sooner.
High‑quality learning with clear pathways
VET combines classroom learning with practical experience to equip learners with the skills employers need. According to the survey:
- 73% see VET as offering high‑quality learning
- 79% say VET is delivered by competent teachers
- 78% think VET benefits from modern infrastructure
Many people also value the chances VET offers to progress and grow.
Two‑thirds (67%) believe VET provides routes into higher education, and 64% see opportunities to study abroad as an extra benefit.
When deciding whether to choose VET, Europeans say they are mainly influenced by job prospects and earnings (53%), as well as advice from family (35%) and teachers or counsellors (28%).
Areas where VET needs to improve
The survey shows that people still see limits to what VET can offer. Half of respondents think VET doesn’t do enough to teach basic skills, such as reading, writing and digital skills, or broader skills like communication and critical thinking.
Gender stereotypes also remain a problem. 71% agree that women are often steered towards general education rather than technical subjects, which narrows their choices and career options.
Progress on EU goals and future action
A new report on the 2020 Council Recommendation on VET highlights how vocational education helps tackle labour shortages and skills gaps in the EU.
The report shows the EU has already met two key targets:
- 66% of recent VET graduates have gained work‑based learning experience (above the 60% goal)
- 80.2% of VET graduates are employed (close to the 82% target)
To build on this progress and respond to growing demand for VET‑trained workers, the report calls for:
- more training for teachers
- closer collaboration with businesses
- more opportunities for VET learners to study or train abroad
- stronger focus on skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics
- better support for basic skills and key competencies
Report on the implementation of the Council Recommendation on vocational education and training (VET) for sustainable competitiveness, social fairness and resilience
Related links
Eurobarometer: Attractiveness of Vocational Education and Training