ABSTRACT
India’s (vocational) education and training system is a strategically significant factor in India’s social and economic development. As part of the (higher vocational) education and training system, polytechnics (PTs) are scarcely explored in research. Nevertheless, they represent a fundamental part of the system and can provide particular insights, since they can be assigned to the higher-VET sector, unlike other school forms of the VET system such as Industrial Training Institutes (ITI). India faces a mismatch situation concerning the labour market and its VET system is intended to address the shortage of skilled labour, but it is only seen as a second-best option, so the assessment of attractiveness and the reasons for the assessment is an important issue. Consequently, this study aims to shed light on the attractiveness of PTs in India. In this context, the chapter presents a theoretical foundation by providing an overview of the broad topic of attractiveness regarding different stakeholders (individuals, employers, society and the government). To gain an insight into the perceived attractiveness semi-structured interviews were chosen as the method of data collection, through which 17 interviews with teachers at PTs in Delhi were conducted, as they play an essential role in the VET system. In addition to the general assessment of attractiveness, this allowed insights into the personal self-assessment of teachers in the VET system in relation to their own situation. The research reveals contradictory findings regarding different stakeholders. The teachers interviewed believe that general education is perceived as more attractive than vocational education and training in society. Teachers believe PTs are attractive regarding the career options, which is also the case for employers, the economy and the government.
