Guidance in Second Chance Schools: Accompaniment at the Core of Vocational Training

Abstract Context: Second Chance Schools (E2O, its Spanish acronym) represent an educational response that tries to deal with early school leaving and provide a path for educational re-engagement, labour inclusion and personal reconstruction. This study aims to describe and analyse the guidance model of the Spanish E2O. Approach: In 2021, we conducted semi-structured interviews with the management of twenty-four schools, 10 professionals in companies hiring youth after finishing their training in E2O, as well as 9 teachers in secondary schools to which former students of E2O returned. Additionally, we conducted a survey among 351 youth who had finished their E2O, and we analysed the record of another 1592 youth who had finished their E2O in schoolyear 2019/2020. We present a descriptive analysis of the quantitative data obtained here. Findings: The analysis of the interviews shows that the guidance in the E2O is considered a process of personal accompaniment. Some of the defining elements of this process are comprehensiveness (employment, vocational and personal guidance), fluidity in communication through formal and informal channels and the adaptation of the process to each student. The guidance processes begin with an initial phase in which a reception and initial diagnosis process is carried out; it continues with a constant monitoring phase during the itinerary, with formal and informal meetings; and it concludes with a preparation phase for the departure of E2O itself. The quantitative assessment of young people about the orientation processes in the E2O is very positive, although there are some nuances regarding the assessment of flexibility. Conclusion: The orientation processes developed in the E2Os are a key aspect behind success in educational re-engagement, professional insertion, and personal reconstruction