Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.5559/di.00.0.00
Vocational Interests of Vocational School Students: Insights from a Qualitative Study of Teachers' Perspectives
Iva Černja Rajter
; Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Ivan Dević
; Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Eta Krpanec
; Ivo Pilar Institute of Social Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
The fit between students' vocational interests and the occupation
they are studying for is important for their satisfaction,
motivation, and professional adjustment. However, the determinants
of this fit have been scarcely researched. The aim of
this study is to examine vocational teachers' perspectives on
the determinants, changes, and ways to encourage students'
interest for the chosen vocation. Using focus groups metho-
dology, we collected data of 52 teachers from 8 Croatian
vocational schools. Participants reported that students often
choose vocational programmes for extrinsic reasons, resulting
in a low fit between their interests and the educational
programme and stagnation or even a decline of the fit
during schooling. As key determinants of the fit, participants
highlighted the curriculum, emphasising the need for
practical training and integration of theoretical knowledge
with practical work. This paper contributes to a better understanding
of the determinants of the fit between vocational
interests and occupation and highlights the importance of
simultaneous action at the level of educational system and
interpersonal level to strengthen students' interest in their
future profession.
Keywords
person-environment fit; vocational education and training (VET); teachers' perspectives; focus group methodology
Hrčak ID:
350477
URI
Publication date:
1.9.2026.
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