Introduction. Combining education and paid work has become an increasingly common practice among students in secondary vocational education. However, the impact of socio-economic, regional, and educational factors on the patterns and motivations of student employment remains underexplored.
Aim. The study aims to identify the relationship between the nature and motivations of employment among secondary vocational education students and their socioeconomic background, region of study, and educational programme.
Methods. The study is based on the analysis of data obtained from a quantitative sociological survey conducted using a multistage sampling design in three regions of Russia differing in their levels of socio-economic development and geographical location.
Results. The findings indicate that a substantial proportion of students engage in employment while pursuing their studies. The study reveals a relationship between students’ work-related attitudes and their ascribed status as well as the territorial context of their education. Significant differences were identified in the level of professional integration of college students depending on their educational programme, namely programmes for skilled workers and employees or programmes for mid-level specialists. Early professional integration was found to perform an important function of realistic career guidance. The study identifies the main motivations for combining study and work, which vary according to students’ initial life circumstances and range from a survival strategy driven by economic necessity to an investment-oriented strategy aimed at future career development. Based on the findings, a set of measures to promote the employment of secondary vocational education students is proposed.
Scientific novelty. The study provides an analysis of the determinants and factors influencing the employment of students enrolled in vocational education institutions. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of youth adaptation strategies in the labour market.
Practical significance. The results are relevant to a wide range of stakeholders interested in improving graduate employability and may serve as an analytical basis for developing targeted measures aimed at increasing employment rates among graduates of the secondary vocational education system.