The Orienta4VET project, a transnational Erasmus+ initiative, highlights the importance of guidance in Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Germany, Denmark, Portugal, Romania, and Catalonia (Spain). This article presents results from the Catalan context. The objective of the project is to raise the visibility of VET by analysing the risk factors that may affect its students and offer practical strategies to prevent school dropout. The team conducted semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions in 21 VET centres, including eight in Catalonia, focusing on four key dimensions: guidance, holistic approach, systematic approach, and empowerment. Data were organised in a Microsoft Word matrix to facilitate international collaboration and were thematically analysed using MAXQDA, employing coding and categorisation to identify connections between variables and dimensions. In Catalonia, 70 risk factors were identified across five dimensions: personal, family, social-relational, institutional, and structural-systemic, aiding in understanding the challenges faced by VET students. This analysis enabled the development of the Interactive Guide Orienta4VET, a dynamic and accessible tool for VET counsellors, administrators, and tutors. The Guide’s strategies are organised according to the identified risk factors, facilitating their consultation and application based on the specific needs of VET centres. The Orienta4VET project represents a significant contribution to public policies and education. The Interactive Guide is useful for guidance professionals and offers a model for analysing factors affecting student trajectories in VET. By providing access to proven and innovative methods, the guide enhances the educational experience and success of VET students in Catalonia and other contexts.

Authors:
Marisol Galdames Calderón, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Cecilia Suárez Rivarola, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain

About the Presenter(s)
Marisol Galdames-Calderón, PhD in Education and Society, holds master’s degrees in Educational Management and Competency Evaluation. She is lecturer at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona focused on teacher training & pedagogical innovation.

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgaldames/

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