Vocational Education and Training (VET) faces significant global challenges, particularly due to its varied reputation and the preference for academic professions with higher social recognition and salaries. This issue is especially present in Brazil, where VET participation is low and dropout rates are high [32]. The division between public and private VET education results in a mixed reputation across the country. This research aims to identify strategies to improve the attractiveness of the Federal VET system among adolescents and understand the factors influencing their educational decisions. Guided by rational choice theory and the skill ecosystem approach, the study conducted expert interviews with educational representatives across Brazil. Findings reveal that while the Federal Institutes (FIs) are generally perceived positively, but community attitudes and individual preferences lead to challenges. The organizational structure of the FIs, offering pathways from primary to higher education, aligns with both theoretical frameworks, suggesting potential for enhanced collaboration with political actors to establish a robust skill ecosystem.

Authors: Silvia Annen, Sabrina Sailer-Frank, Claudia Schiedeck

Published in: Canada International Conference on Education, 2024

• Date of Conference: 23-25 July, 2024
• DOI: 10.20533/CICE.2024.0031
• Electronic ISBN: 978-1-913572-65-5
• Conference Location: Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Canada