Published in Scientific Papers. Series "Management, Economic Engineering in Agriculture and rural development", Vol. 25 ISSUE 1
Written by Florin Cristian CIOBĂNICĂ

The primary objective of career and technical education (CTE) is to enhance the school's contribution to the rapid and efficient transition to a competitive economy based on innovation, knowledge, and inclusivity. In addition to these aspects, we must consider the challenges posed by the swift phenomenon of demographic ageing and external migration flows, leading to the conclusion that CTE will increasingly need to address the immediate needs of employers in Romania. Career and technical education, through its objectives, aligns with the dual role of education: economic and social. Therefore, CTE cannot be narrowly focused on fulfilling the immediate requirements of a specific job; rather, it must ensure the preparation for a successful career that facilitates socio-professional integration. Under these conditions, CTE must be viewed as a stage in the lifelong learning process, which is immediately followed by workplace learning to adapt to its specific demands. In this context, the study aimed to present a study case regarding the quality of the practical training in vocational and technical education experienced at the level of Ilfov County, Romania, in the school year 2023 – 2024. The questionnaire method was applied to a sample of 679 enrolled scholars in high schools with a technological profile in Ilfov County, Romania. Statistical analysis and processing and Likert scale quantified the scholars' responses for identifying solutions to improve practical training courses, to evaluate the system applied, and employment intention after completing the studies and their career path.

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