How Chinese higher vocational education and training (HVET) students determine their post-college pathway in the post-COVID 19 era

Context: Vocational training has been a critical issue in China, where large percentages are regularly cited for unemployment statistics. In addition, Chinese higher vocational education and training (HVET) students are from relatively disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and they are experiencing a more complex and high-risk post-college transition than previous generations in the context of the economic shock from COVID-19. The policy of extending university enrolment since 2012 to recruit HVET students across China has led to an increase in the number of HVET students opting to enter university. This article reports on the perceptions of 27 HVET final-year students from five colleges about their decisions on their post-college pathway prior to finishing their studies and training. Methodology: This study adopted a qualitative research design and the semi-structured interview data were analysed using thematic analysis. Using the conceptual framework of possible selves, this paper examines the key factors shaping the formation of HVET students' possible selves in determining their future pathways. Findings: The findings reveal several key insights. First, both individual and contextual factors play a significant role in influencing HVET students' decisions about their future trajectories. Second, there is a noticeable shift in the focus of HVET graduates' possible selves, with most participants envisioning pathways that diverge from immediate entry into the labour market. This study reports a major transition, with 23 out of 27 respondents intending to pursue higher education, reflecting a departure from the trends observed in previous research. Third, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact, disrupting the development of occupational skills and shaping post-college pathways for recent HVET students. Finally, the findings underscore the strong desire among Chinese HVET students to escape the HVET identity, which emerges as a significant driver in their pursuit of higher education trajectories. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical factors influencing HVET students' post-college transitions, including COVID-19, social stigma, socio-economic constraints, and competitive societal pressures, which drive their pursuit of higher education. It shows the complex challenges faced by HVET students in post-COVID-19 China within a broader systemic context.