The Thoughts, Feelings and Perceptions of Sports and Exercise Students Progressing from Vocational Education and Training to Academic Education

In 2017, 31% of students progressed from FE courses to HE, with many coming from non-traditional backgrounds such as VET. For those students entering HE with vocationally-orientated qualifications, their assessment will have centred around tasks with a more practical/occupational focus, and the skills, expectations and experience that these students bring to HE will differ significantly from those of the traditional A-Level entrants, who are familiar with an academic environment and the processes. Therefore, it is important that students progressing from VET make a successful transition between the vocational and academic education sectors, not only for their own achievement but also to reduce attrition and increase student retention at HEI’s. The aim of this research is to investigate the thoughts, feelings and perceptions of FE students studying on a vocational course and their forthcoming transition to an academic environment at a HEI; providing an insight into how sport and exercise departments in HEI’s can better support students, and improve retention and student satisfaction of future cohorts. The findings identified three key themes: Challenges Associated with Progressing into Academic Environment from VET; Further Personal and Professional Development by Studying in an Academic Environment; Expectation of Diverse Experiences when Transitioning. The findings have enabled a series of practical guidelines to be created which inform other HEI’s and FEC’s about understanding, supporting and managing students who progress between the two distinct education environments. Hopefully, reducing student attrition, improving retention, and overall student satisfaction.