Time for Vocational Students! (‘Amiksen aika’ in Finnish) examines what life is like for young people studying for vocational upper secondary qualifications in contemporary society. To understand this, the study develops a youth-centred (school) ethnographic approach, known as “hanging out” research. The researcher will ‘hang out’ for a total of six months in a vocational education institution; in its corridors, cafeteria, students’ break areas and work halls. The aim is to understand vocational students’ relationship with time, but also to devote time to the process of doing research.
The study therefore also engages with the epistemological and ethical questions of youth research: who is reached through “hanging out” research, and how do young people relate to the research process? These questions are explored and analysed together with young people: What, in their view, might constitute good youth research?
The study is funded by the Kone Foundation (post doc research grant, 2025).
