The European Commission has published the results of a Special Eurobarometer survey on the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET). Conducted in the autumn of 2025 across the 27 EU Member States, the survey shows that Europeans view vocational education as an effective pathway into the labour market, although its image remains less favourable than that of general education.

At the European Union level, 85% of respondents believe that vocational education provides technical skills that are useful in working life, and 73% consider it to be high-quality education. Europeans also value the competence of VET teachers and trainers (79%), its modern infrastructure (78%), opportunities to continue studies in higher education (67%), and participation in international mobility programmes (64%). Survey results further indicate that vocational education is perceived as a pathway leading to employment opportunities (82%) and well-paid jobs (66%).

At the same time, the results highlight the challenges facing vocational education and training systems. Three quarters of Europeans believe that general education enjoys a better public image in their country than vocational education. Half of the respondents also point to the insufficient development of basic skills during vocational education, such as literacy and digital skills, as well as transversal skills, such as communication and critical thinking.

Gender stereotypes remain an important issue. As many as 71% of Europeans agree that women are more often encouraged to choose general education rather than technical fields of study.

The results for Poland are close to the EU average and indicate an overall positive perception of vocational education and training. As in the EU as a whole, Poles primarily recognise the practical nature of vocational education and its close connection to labour market needs. At the same time, the survey found that Poles also view general education in a better light than vocational education.

As in other EU countries, the survey shows that stereotypes persist in terms of the educational choices made by women and men in Poland. Stereotypical perceptions of technical occupations may influence young people's educational decisions and limit interest in certain areas of vocational education and training.

The full report, infographics, and fact sheets for all Member States are available on the European Commission's website.