Abstract:

Many young persons, enrolled in vocational programmes do not complete their upper secondary education. Research has categorised some characteristics of the non-completers. The drop-out rate is linked to absenteeism and grades, but also to gender and social and ethnic background. Lack of education is seen to have major personal and societal consequences. Therefore, many schools are actively pursuing measures that can help to increase the number of completers. However, a number of youth also drop out during the apprenticeship period of the education. Thus, there is also a need to examine the workplace as a learning arena for apprentices. This paper presents findings from a research project, showing how workplaces function as a learning environment for apprentices and how apprentices participate in the day-to-day work according to their interests and priorities. Finally, we point to factors that can improve learning and thus help more students complete their upper secondary education and training.

Keywords:

Vocational education, apprentice.