This article employs a capability approach and a sustainable wellbeing theory to present a holistic analysis of wellbeing dimensions from students’ points of view within Finnish vocational education and training (VET). Drawing from feminist ethnographic research, the article places everyday life at vocational cooking school at the centre of the analysis and explores how students’ opportunities for wellbeing are shaped by power dynamics operating within social relations. The analysis identifies valued functionings for the students, which are further systematised into categories of sustainable wellbeing: Having, Doing, Loving and Being. The paper consolidates findings from previous studies that highlight students’ valuing VET beyond mere labour market opportunities. Additionally, it makes a novel contribution by integrating students’ perspectives on ecological elements into the study of VET and capabilities. The paper demonstrates that opportunities for flourishing are not equally accessible to all students but are embedded in values and norms of employability that operate within social relations. Acknowledging students’ appreciation for ecologically and socially sustainable wellbeing could contribute to transforming VET to better account for the needs of both students and the planet. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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