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Protective Factors Associated with Perceived Risk of Exclusion from Education and Work among Vocational Students

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Title: Protective Factors Associated with Perceived Risk of Exclusion from Education and Work among Vocational Students
Language: English
Authors: Kati Kajastus (ORCID 0000-0002-0503-7473)
Source: Journal of Adolescence. 2026 98(4):1278-1288.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Career and Technical Education, Student Attitudes, At Risk Persons, Gender Differences, Employment Level, Resilience (Psychology), Resources, Expectation, Sense of Belonging, Knowledge Level, Foreign Countries, Student Characteristics, Secondary School Students
Geographic Terms: Finland
DOI: 10.1002/jad.70140
ISSN: 0140-1971
1095-9254
Abstract: Introduction: Perceived risk of experiencing NEET status (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) reflects young people's sense of vulnerability in the transition from school to work. Identifying protective factors linked with lower perceived risk may help inform early prevention. This study examined individual and school-based resources associated with perceived NEET risk among vocational students. Methods: Survey data from 7910 Finnish vocational students (aged 15-29 years; 45% women) were drawn from the 2024 Vocational School Student Survey. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess perceived NEET risk based on eight items related to employment expectations. Logistic regression analyses were performed separately for women and men to examine associations between individual and school-based factors and perceived NEET risk. Results: Several factors, including summer employment, school belonging, and knowledge of working life, were consistently associated with lower perceived NEET risk in both genders. Gender-specific patterns emerged: for women, lower perceived NEET risk was associated with stronger family support and a functional personal study plan, whereas among men, it was associated with higher adequacy of learning infrastructure. Received guidance was not significantly related to perceived risk in either group. Conclusions: A positive school climate that promotes belonging, supportive relationships, and high-quality teaching is vital for vocational students' confidence in future transitions. Equally important are opportunities to gain an understanding of working-life principles and work experience, which may help students envision attainable career pathways. Strengthening both the social and structural foundations of vocational education may help reduce students' perceived risk of experiencing NEET status.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1507889
Database: ERIC
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  – Url: https://www.doi.org/10.1002/jad.70140?
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  Data: Protective Factors Associated with Perceived Risk of Exclusion from Education and Work among Vocational Students
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: Introduction: Perceived risk of experiencing NEET status (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) reflects young people's sense of vulnerability in the transition from school to work. Identifying protective factors linked with lower perceived risk may help inform early prevention. This study examined individual and school-based resources associated with perceived NEET risk among vocational students. Methods: Survey data from 7910 Finnish vocational students (aged 15-29 years; 45% women) were drawn from the 2024 Vocational School Student Survey. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to assess perceived NEET risk based on eight items related to employment expectations. Logistic regression analyses were performed separately for women and men to examine associations between individual and school-based factors and perceived NEET risk. Results: Several factors, including summer employment, school belonging, and knowledge of working life, were consistently associated with lower perceived NEET risk in both genders. Gender-specific patterns emerged: for women, lower perceived NEET risk was associated with stronger family support and a functional personal study plan, whereas among men, it was associated with higher adequacy of learning infrastructure. Received guidance was not significantly related to perceived risk in either group. Conclusions: A positive school climate that promotes belonging, supportive relationships, and high-quality teaching is vital for vocational students' confidence in future transitions. Equally important are opportunities to gain an understanding of working-life principles and work experience, which may help students envision attainable career pathways. Strengthening both the social and structural foundations of vocational education may help reduce students' perceived risk of experiencing NEET status.
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