This study aims to explore how student engagement evolves during vocational education and training. A qualitative longitudinal study was carried out; 12 students were interviewed once a year during their three-year education. A qualitative content analysis was performed and three different student engagement profiles were identified. The findings highlight that student engagement is supported by interest and enthusiasm for the curriculum, strong connectedness to other students, and suitable ways to learn and study. However, one of the key findings of this study is that not all adolescents have a strong passion for their field of study. Many reported that there was nothing else interesting to study and that they were hoping for their field to become more interesting. In addition, the results indicate that connectedness and students’ emotional experience of education powerfully shape their view of their overall educational experience. © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
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