Three quarters of students studying vocational degrees say they are unprepared for employment after university.

Photo by: Michal Parzuchowski, Unsplash

By Evie Steward

A recent survey revealed that majority of students studying a vocational degree are left feeling unprepared for the workplace, despite being promised to have preparation and experience.

The survey of 50 students across multiple universities and vocational pathways found that 77% feel their vocational degree is not adequately preparing them for future employment. Respondents pointed towards lack of work experience, guidance and practical experience.

“My school doesn’t encourage anything to do with employment or how to apply my skills in any occupation,” said Sky Lee, a graphic design student.

Half of students across creative and health degrees are reporting similar experiences, suggesting this is a nationwide issue within institutions.

Some students have said they’ve felt mislead by the university marketing that promotes strong employment after graduation as there is no guidance for placements or work experience opportunities. “My degree advertised high postgraduate employment and said we would gain connections through my course – I’m a third-year student and haven’t been given any connections,” said Andy Assal, a chemical engineering student.

Students felt let down by their universities and are concerned for their future job opportunities especially with the rising employment crisis in young people.

More than half of students in the survey said the lack of experience and support has impacted their career aspirations and 55.6% of respondents said that they no longer want to pursue a career related to their degree.

Students in healthcare courses are also becoming frustrated with unpaid placements as these stretch over hours of their education. Midwife student, Kirsty Lawrence said: “I would love if students started getting paid during their hospital placements.”

There is an additional financial pressure on vocational students as the majority of their degrees require unpaid work experience, which puts a strain on their financial situation and potentially disrupt their part time jobs.

“My university doesn’t have much guidance in gaining experience in the clinical field and it’s highly competitive”, said Lawrence.

48%, almost half of graduates, said they felt unprepared to even apply to entry-level jobs in their chosen field. They also found that most students feel that professional connections are the most important influence in being employed, according to a 2025 study by Nietzel.

77% of employers agreed that graduates with work experience from an internship or placement had better skills in the workplace than those who did not, according to the Institute of Student Employers (2025).

With more than three quarters of students feeling unprepared and more than half no longer wanting to take their original career path, this spikes a concern for the future generation and their success.