Despite rising participation rates in Portugal, a gap persists between general and vocational upper secondary students' transition to higher education (HE). This study employs a qualitative methodology, specifically through content analysis of focus group discussions, to explore the factors influencing vocational students' reluctance towards higher education, amidst specific policies designed to aid their transition. Empirical findings suggest that vocational students may exhibit reservations stemming from self‐perceived academic deficiencies, impacting their self‐confidence in continuing their education at a HE level. Nevertheless, confidence in market‐valued practical skills might motivate HE consideration within a vocational domain. Their practical focus also makes HE seem less immediately applicable in the labour market. Many prioritise integration into the workforce for short‐run objectives, seeking breaks, experience and financial earnings. Aiming for earning and practicality, many lean towards the labour market over HE, even considering emigrating to achieve financial stability. The study emphasises the need for Portuguese educational policies to align vocational training with HE, supporting diverse student ambitions and holistic career paths.

中文翻译：

---

少有人走的路：探索葡萄牙职业学生对高等教育的不愿意

尽管葡萄牙的参与率不断上升，但普通高中学生和职业高中学生向高等教育（HE）过渡之间仍然存在差距。本研究采用定性方法，特别是通过焦点小组讨论的内容分析，探讨影响职业学生不愿接受高等教育的因素，以及旨在帮助他们过渡的具体政策。实证研究结果表明，职业学生可能会因自我认知的学术缺陷而表现出保留态度，从而影响他们继续接受高等教育的自信心。然而，对市场价值的实践技能的信心可能会激发职业领域内的高等教育考虑。他们的实际关注也使得高等教育似乎不太立即适用于劳动力市场。许多人优先考虑融入劳动力市场以实现短期目标，寻求休息、经验和经济收入。为了收入和实用性，许多人倾向于劳动力市场而不是高等教育，甚至考虑移民以实现财务稳定。该研究强调葡萄牙教育政策需要将职业培训与高等教育结合起来，支持多样化的学生抱负和全面的职业道路。