Guillaume Prévost promotes vocational training in Catholic education

Guillaume Prévost, the Secretary General of Catholic Education in France, has identified vocational training as a central pillar for the renewal of the national education system. During a press conference held at the Robert-Schuman vocational high school in Dugny, Prévost emphasized the importance of professional pathways in addressing challenges such as declining academic levels, teacher burnout, and youth unemployment.

While overall enrollment in Catholic education has decreased by 2% over the last five years, vocational student numbers have grown by 2% during the same period, driven largely by a 250% increase in apprenticeships since 2018. Prévost argued against the stigma surrounding vocational tracks, noting that the curriculum has diversified and allows students to pursue higher education degrees (Bac+3 or Bac+5) through established academic bridges.

He advocated for a shift from a “culture of diplomas” to a “culture of pathways,” highlighting that vocational training offers a practical, real-world approach to learning that can help integrate young people into the workforce.