Career choices after completion of vocational training: the case of licensed practical nurses

Abstract

The initial career choice that young people make can become subject to change as individuals gain professional and personal experience. We study career choices made after vocational training and investigate the propensity to change occupation or obtain a tertiary degree among licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Norway. To explain second-order career choices, we emphasise social and ethnic origin and early- career employment conditions. The results demonstrate substantial attrition from care work during the first 10 years of the career, and the mobility patterns display a clear social gradient. Part-time work in the early-career phase is associated with occupational attrition. The results suggest that LPNs, especially those of higher social origins, do not consider care work a lifelong career choice and that the lack of career opportunities and full-time work can be push factors out of the occupation.