3.
Your preference is unclear
It looks like you remain undecided about which direction to move in. Some thoughts for you, to help you make the right choice about further education.
Upper secondary school allows you to concentrate on general subjects and provides a good stepping stone to the university. At the same time, after completing secondary education, you can also enter vocational training and move into the labour market with acquired skills. You can count on some upper secondary schools also having boarding school facilities where you can live and concentrate on your studies while acquiring your education. While you’re in upper secondary school, you can demonstrate your knowledge in Olympiads for various subjects, and take part in other projects promoting development. After upper secondary school it will be important to continue your studies, to ensure that you are competitive in the labour market.
A vocational education will allow you to take your first steps onto the labour market in a couple of years. During your studies, you have the option of living in a boarding school facility and receiving financial support, either for good learning outcomes or to help resolve financial problems. As opposed to upper secondary education, state exams are not compulsory for vocational secondary education leavers, but you can still take them if you wish – doing so will give you the opportunity to go pursue a higher education in the future, either directly from vocational school or while you are already working. You can also take part in a mobility scheme while acquiring a vocational education, where internships abroad can last from two weeks to a whole academic year. A separate scholarship is generally also awarded for this period. If you remain unsure about your choice of specialty, you can choose a year selecting the right specialty, during which you will learn about different specialties, and after which you will be able to make an informed decision about the one that is right for you.
Remember that deciding in favour of one path or another never precludes the other – there are many young people who go on to acquire a vocational education after upper secondary school, and there are also vocational educational institution graduates who head on to an institution of higher education. Everyone will find their own path. One thing is for sure – we encourage you to continue with your studies and to acquire the professional skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the labour market, as this is the only way to build a solid foundation for a rewarding career and working life.
You always have the opportunity to talk to a career specialist at the Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund. He or she will support you in making an informed decision regarding your education.