Key facts
- A majority of EU citizens believe general education holds a more positive image than vocational training.
- Three-quarters of EU citizens agree that general education at an upper secondary level is more prestigious than vocational training.
- 80% of Europeans believe vocational training qualifications lead to jobs in high demand.
- 53% of Europeans cite the need to find a job and earn money quickly as a primary reason for choosing vocational training.
- Gender stereotypes influence educational pathways, with women often steered away from technical subjects and men facing pressure to pursue vocational training.
A recent Eurobarometer survey indicates that a majority of European Union citizens perceive general education more favorably than vocational training. Three-quarters of respondents believe general education at the upper secondary level holds a more positive image. Citizens in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland showed the strongest agreement with this sentiment, while those in the Czech Republic, Latvia, and Romania were least likely to agree.
When individuals decide between general and vocational education, advice from parents (35%) is considered more influential than guidance from teachers (28%). The perceived prestige of vocational education and training itself, along with social media influence, were cited as less significant factors.
Concerns exist regarding the quality of vocational training, with half of the respondents believing these programs inadequately teach basic skills like literacy and digital literacy, as well as transversal skills such as communication and critical thinking. However, a strong majority, over 80% of Europeans, agree that vocational training qualifications lead to employment in high-demand sectors. Furthermore, 53% of Europeans identify the need to secure a job and earn money quickly as a primary driver for young people choosing vocational paths, a leading factor in 24 EU member states.
Gender stereotypes also play a role in educational choices. Seventy-one percent of respondents agree that women are often steered towards general education, even when interested in technical subjects. Conversely, seven in 10 Europeans believe men who are not high academic achievers face greater pressure to opt for vocational training over general education. Additionally, over half of respondents note that men in caregiving or service-related vocational fields encounter social stigma, highlighting constraints for both genders.