Career motivation among vocational teacher candidates

Abstract

Despite recent measures, the shortage of teachers in VET is still a cause for concern, and the number of new teachers and trainees entering the profession may be the key. It is therefore worth examining the motivations of those entering training, as career socialisation and motivation clearly enhance the ability to stay in the profession. In our study, we wanted to show where students in vocational teacher education, who are going to be vocational instructors and engineering teachers, are at in their career socialisation, what characteristics can be used to describe it, and how a training institution can facilitate their socialisation to become successful in their careers as teachers. In this study, engineering teacher and vocational instructor students were asked using an online questionnaire about their career choices as teachers, their career commitment and their future career path. Data from respondents to the questionnaire were evaluated using IBM SPSS Statistics. The analysis found that teacher candidates are attracted to their profession. This is most often reflected on the intrinsic enjoyment of working with children, as well as a passion for the profession, interest in the work and belief that they are capable of teaching, i.e. that teaching matches their personal abilities. Students are also typically motivated by the altruistic nature of the profession, including the desire to help others and to contribute to social utility through their influence on children’s lives. We would also like to draw attention to the importance of this and the opportunities and dangers involved.