TALLINN — Estonian students are turning toward vocational education in the face of the economic crisis with enrollment numbers climbing this year, according to the Ministry of Education.

“The negative economic forecast for future growth and optimism in the [vocational] background suggest that young people value education, including vocational training,” Tõnis Lukas, Minister of Education said.

“Today is the time to study to prepare for the next load. I believe that young people who make the choice of a vocational school do not regret it – they expect modern programs and procedures for school.”

In August, the most popular course enrollments were management and administration, hairdressing, childcare, business accounts and taxation, secretarial and office work, social work and counseling, and tourism.

Other popular courses were the provision of accommodation/catering and auto repairs.

Specialties that still have vacant places are construction, electronics and automation, electrical engineering and energy, home carpenter, forestry, agriculture, sewing and arts and craft.