PISA and the Transition into the Labour Market

This paper uses unique Swiss longitudinal data that include information on Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2000 scores and the pathways chosen after completing compulsory school. Descriptive results show that students in vocational training, who obtained lower PISA results, are significantly more likely to be in an inadequate employment situation 2 years after finishing vocational training. Further analysis shows, however, that it is the type of vocational training pursued at upper secondary level that is decisive for a successful transition. Nevertheless, individual PISA scores have an indirect impact on the transition results, as they are an important factor explaining which pupils are more likely to get into an intellectually demanding vocational training and which ones are not.