Situational and Individual Resources Predict Learning Opportunities and Career Outcomes in VET

Situational and individual resources play a crucial role in learning in vocational education and training (VET). Drawing from the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) model, we explore work-related and school-related resources of apprentices’ learning environments among 715 learners in Switzerland, and we analyse how resource profiles are related to learning opportunities and career outcomes. Applying latent profile analysis (LPA), we found four groups that are characterised by different patterns and levels of situational resources, including autonomy, instruction quality, and demands. Structure equation modelling (SEM) showed that resource profiles and individual resources (core self-evaluations, CSE) are associated with apprentices’ learning opportunities at both learning locations and, particularly, that having low resources hampers learning. As expected, learning opportunities at work and school positively affect satisfaction with VET and occupational commitment and reduce risks of resignation about VET. The results highlight the importance of providing apprentices with challenging, empowering and supportive work and school environments to ensure learning and positive career development