Challenges and Structural Barriers to Student Success in Technical and Vocational Education: A Study in Tehran

Background and Aim: Technical and vocational education (TVE) at high schools has been frequently highlighted as essential in key national strategic documents, such as the Comprehensive Scientific Map of the Country and various educational reform acts, under the premise that this track delivers a large number of skilled graduates to the labor market. Yet, despite this high-level prioritization, skepticism regarding the overall effectiveness and efficiency of TVE persists due to ongoing structural constraints. Data and Method: To fully understand these obstacles, an in-depth investigation is required to explore the operational and institutional barriers affecting TVE from the perspectives of subject-matter experts and educational specialists. For this purpose, a qualitative research methodology was adopted, utilizing semi-structured interviews with ۳۳ experts and specialists in the relevant field to gain comprehensive insights into the subject. The gathered interview data were systematically analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings: The findings categorized the existing challenges into several key areas, including misalignment of training with labor market needs, lack of job opportunities for graduates of technical and vocational fields, lack of preparedness of trainees for real-world market conditions, weakness of educational equipment and facilities, socio-cultural factors, development of gender inequalities, and weak support for trainees. Conclusion: Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing the overall effectiveness of technical and vocational education, ensuring better structural alignment with labor market needs while promoting equitable access for all students. Key Message: Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) in Iran faces major structural, cultural, and policy-related challenges that significantly reduce its efficiency and institutional effectiveness, thereby preventing it from successfully meeting labor market needs and contributing to sustainable development.

کلیدواژه ها:

Technical education ، vocational education ، Thematic analysis ، Challenges ، education policy ، educational obstacles