University graduates enrolled in Higher VET in Spain: An upskilling or reskilling choice?

Abstract

[EN] Post-Baccalaureate reverse transfer students (PRTSs) are students that enroll at a VET institution after completion of at least a bachelor’s degree. This paper is an exploratory, descriptive and correlational study of Higher VET graduates with a previous university qualification in Spain. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the knowledge of PRTSs in Spain by identifying if it is an upskilling or reskilling choice. The study uses data from the ETEFIL-19 survey to examine the demographics, previous degrees, program of enrollment, and prevalence of university graduates who get VET degrees. The results suggest that the transition of university graduates in Spain into Higher VET is best interpreted as an upskilling strategy due to a significant correlation between the original university field and the VET professional field of destination. A summary discussion of the results along with implications and recommendations for the practice, policy and further research are included.