Too many young people leave education (including vocational education) too soon. Yet early leavers are at greater risk of long-term unemployment, poverty and crime, while the cost of early leaving to the European economy is now 1.25% of GDP.
But keeping people in (vocational) education is not only an issue for vocational education and training alone. It also depends on wider labour market and social welfare issues: initial salary policy, employer participation, access to professions, the perceived value of qualifications, and the range of guidance services available to students.
Cedefop’s latest briefing note Keeping young people in (vocational) education: what works? examines the complex reasons behind early leaving from vocational education and suggests policy options to help early leavers acquire a qualification.