Early student dropout is a continuing problem in vocational education and training, with serious consequences for individuals and education systems. An in-depth survey of representatives of vocational education and training (VET) institutions was carried out with 181 VET respondents from 18 European countries, mainly from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland. The aim of the survey was to map the main risk factors of dropping out and to assess the effectiveness of preventive actions in use. The analysis showed that the most critical risk factors are motivational problems and social and health factors, while individual counselling, supportive learning environment and regular check-ups on students were claimed to be the most effective preventive actions.

In addition to the survey, the article presents the results of the study along with a dropout prevention framework developed based on collected data. This framework includes effective measures implemented in VET institutions to mitigate dropout risk factors and provides assessments of their effectiveness. As part of the survey, open-ended questions were used to gather information on prevention activities applied in aforementioned institutions. Based on the responses, a list of solutions and a frequency table were compiled, allowing for the analysis of the most commonly used approaches for addressing various dropout risk factors. Additionally, respondents evaluated the effectiveness of 12 preventive actions, and the article presents these ratings alongside the frequency of practice implementation.

Furthermore, the article provides evidence-based recommendations and a scalable model designed to help VET institutions implement targeted interventions to enhance student retention.

Keywords: Dropout prevention, dropout risk factors, student retention, vocational education, Baltic region countries, survey, framework.