Participation and learning in Vocational education and training - a cross-national analysis of the perspectives of youth at risk for social exclusion

The article explores the experiences of youth at risk for social exclusion and is part of cross-national research involving Norway, Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia. 79 young people aged 16–29 who are at risk of becoming economically and socially marginalised were interviewed about circumstances that may support or hinder their participation and learning in VET. The study draws on sociocultural theory, emphasising learning as participation in social practices. Thematic ana-lyses indicate that negative experiences in the past affect current participation in VET. In all countries, VET offers oppor-tunities for participation for students at risk of social exclu-sion. However, vulnerable youth do not navigate the paths of social engagement well on their own. In the case of VET- students at risk for social exclusion, the mere development of knowledge and skills relevant for employment in the labour market does not suffice. VET institutions will need to facilitate students’ participation in learning communities. Building social capital for youth at risk through developing relation-ships that generate motivation, trust, and confidence enhances students’ opportunities for participation and sub-sequent learning. VET teachers and workplace supervisors will need guidance on how to develop the pedagogical competencies necessary to nurture social capital for students at risk for social exclusion.