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Vladivostok's teens ditch school for vocational training in record numbers

A quiet revolution is reshaping education in Russia's Far East. Why are teens trading textbooks for welding torches and IT certifications?

The image shows a black and white photo of a group of children posing for a picture in front of a...
The image shows a black and white photo of a group of children posing for a picture in front of a backdrop of trees. At the bottom of the image, there is some text which reads "1930-1940 Russian School".

Vladivostok's teens ditch school for vocational training in record numbers

Vladivostok’s ninth-graders are increasingly turning away from traditional schooling in favour of vocational training. New data from the 2025 admissions cycle shows a clear shift, with more students opting for practical qualifications over academic routes. This trend mirrors a wider surge in demand for vocational education across Primorsky Krai. In 2025, just 47.4% of Vladivostok’s ninth-graders chose to continue into the 10th grade. This marks a drop from 2024, when 48.3% stayed in general education. The remaining 52.6% now plan to leave school after graduation, with many heading to vocational colleges.

The region’s vocational system has seen a sharp rise in interest, recording a 30% increase in applications this year. Popular programs include graphic design, IT, welding, transportation logistics, and railway or construction specialties. Meanwhile, Vladivostok’s universities also reported strong demand, indicating that students are dividing between practical training and higher education.

Nationally, Russia saw 45% of ninth-graders enrol in vocational colleges after finishing school in 2024. Primorsky Krai’s latest figures suggest the region is following—and in some cases exceeding—this broader pattern. The shift away from general education reflects growing student interest in hands-on careers. With vocational colleges expanding their intake, Primorsky Krai’s workforce could soon see more graduates entering skilled trades. The trend also highlights changing priorities among young people as they weigh academic and practical pathways.

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