Career Experience of Vocational High School Graduates: A Qualitative Study for Policy Enhancement

This study aimed to identify shortcomings of current career support policies for vocational high school graduates in Korea and to propose improvements by analyzing graduates’ career formation and development experiences. To achieve this, focus group interviews were conducted with graduates from diverse career paths to qualitatively analyze their career formation experiences and perceptions of policy. Additionally, the study reviewed the current status and recognition about policies (including the Youth Employment Mutual Aid Program, the High School Graduate Follow-up Support Project, and special admissions for employed graduates). The results indicated that current career support policies for vocational high school graduates primarily focus on short-term job retention, with limited provisions for sustained career development after graduation. While graduates held positive perceptions toward further education and opportunities have expanded. In addition, academic support systems remain insufficient to ensure long-term education. Except for a few policies that provide direct support, graduates showed low awareness of other programs that they were not direct beneficiaries. Based on these findings, the study emphasizes the necessity of establishing a tailored, targeted support system reflecting the characteristics and career paths of vocational high school graduates. These findings provide practical implications for policymakers improving vocational education policy and are expected to inform the development of policies to promote the career development of vocational high school graduates.