My experiences as a student of VET

I attended European Vocational Skills Week 2018 as a member of the European Apprentices Network. I was here to speak on the closing panel about my experiences as a vocational student, both the good and bad of my education, as well as comparing my high school degree with the rest of my studies.

In Croatia, the nature of vocational education is very much school based and there is a lot more focus on classroom learning. Whilst this is valuable, I wanted to experience more ‘on the job’ learning and so moved to Denmark. Here, there is a lot more project based learning and different opportunities to take on within the local community and to experience a range of companies and businesses. I personally found this group oriented approach to be better suited as I was able to gain real life and work experience.

I would encourage other young people to consider taking a VET or apprenticeship route for their future. Vocational education provides you with a skillset that can be utilised later in life. If you are a student with a passion, then you definitely shouldn’t regard vocational education as a second choice.

European Vocational Skills Week provides a crucial opportunity for young people to network with policy makers and people who can actually make a difference within the governments of member states. It is a chance for apprentices to express their viewpoint and have a direct say in the things that will most likely affect them.

Leonardo, European Apprentices Network