IV ISA Forum of Sociology (February 23-28, 2021)

JS-25

Technical and Vocational Education: Young People's Experiences and Perspectives on School to Work Transitions

Abstract Submissions Closed

RC04 Sociology of Education (host committee)
RC34 Sociology of Youth

Language: English and Spanish

Session Type: Oral

In the last decades, labor market transformations, technological change and new models of workforce management have had a great impact on educational institutions and practices, especially in the area of ​​technical secondary schooling and vocational training. Labor changes and uncertainties affect young people’s expectations, decisions and opportunities. These processes have implied new forms of school to work transitions, which are increasingly individualized and heterogeneous. Social demands for more education have been reflected in the expansion of compulsory secondary schooling in numerous countries, as well as in the promotion of vocational education and training programs.  This trend has been accompanied by economic crises deteriorating young people´s working conditions and job opportunities.

In this scenario, technical and vocational education faces challenges that affect its identity. As a factor for development, greater adjustment is required between educational and training programs and employers’ demands. However, technical-professional education is often associated with the social inclusion of young people from disadvantaged sectors. Moreover, the role of technical education in the reproduction or transformation of gender inequalities is increasingly discussed. In addition, recent studies show differences in the meanings that young people assign to technical and vocational education, in the context of the construction of their labor trajectories.

In an attempt to address these complex processes, this session invites both theoretical papers discussing the relation between technical-professional education and work, as well as research papers providing empirical evidence on young people´s experiences and perspectives - whether at technical secondary schools or at vocational education institutions.