Smooth transitions but in a changing market: The prospects of vocational education and training graduates

Abstract

This chapter looks at current labour market outcomes of young graduates from mid-level vocational education and training (VET), as well as how they have changed in the past 10 to 15 years and what can be expected in the medium-term. It looks at indicators of job quality and quantity, and zooms in on the types of occupations that employ VET graduates. The outcomes of VET graduates are compared to those of general education graduates (at the same qualification level), tertiary education graduates and graduates without an upper‑secondary education degree. Differences in outcomes based on the features of each country’s VET system are discussed. Finally, based on these findings, the chapter discusses key policy directions to improve VET graduates’ access to high-quality secure jobs.