Pupils call for more respect and support for vocational education

Vocational education remains undervalued, say pupils in the labour-market track of secondary education. In a new advisory report by Vlaamse Scholierenkoepel, the Flemish umbrella organisation for secondary school pupils, they call for greater respect, clearer communication, and better opportunities.

Many pupils are proud of their studies but feel stigmatised by terms like “B-stream” and “labour-market finality”. They urge policymakers to adopt more neutral language and to involve pupils in renaming these pathways.

The report also calls for stronger links between schools and employers, more company visits, and better guidance throughout pupils’ school careers. Pupils want to choose their direction based on talents and interests, not on perceived failure.

Key recommendations include ending the “waterfall system” of downgrading, improving transition options between study tracks, and recognising the seventh specialisation year with a diploma. Pupils also want more chances to progress to higher education and access to all available study routes.

Schools are encouraged to reduce distinctions between pathways, tackle negative perceptions, offer challenging assignments, and showcase pupils’ work.

^{#FlandersNewsService | A fine bakery school in Brussels © BELGA PHOTO HERWIG VERGULT}