Eighth-grade students from Bucharest were invited on March 11th to a fair of technical high schools, where teachers and current students presented them with the courses they can opt for after the National Evaluation in June.

After two or three years in a trade school, high school students have come to recruit the new generation of vocational education.

-We're technicians in gastronomy.

-What are you?

-Technicians in the food industry.

-Technicians.

-Yes.

-So, what do you do?

-We cook.

At the stands, the exchange of information between current and potential students was, in part, a discussion about earnings, particularly in their first jobs.

-How much do you earn?

-Well, I don't know yet because I've just been hired, but in catering, you can earn 3,800... even more... including tips!

According to teachers, it's a great time for students who may struggle in a traditional high school setting to consider pursuing a vocational trade. Especially considering the poor results in the mock exam.

-I got a 4.50 in math and a 6 in Romanian... I want to start a barber shop! My brother is a barber as well, so...

-How much does he earn?

-2.000 -3.000 lei per day...

It's true that most future middle school graduates are still confused.

-I was thinking of going to "Dimitrie Cantemir". It's a more practical high school...

-How?!?

-More practical. But if you put your mind to it, you can still come out with something.

However, the main attraction of dual vocational education is obtaining scholarships - 600 lei from the state and another 200 lei - at least - from the companies with which the school has contracts.

Prof. Mona Rudnic, technological education school inspector: "There are companies offering 1,000 lei per month! There's the option to continue your studies, to obtain a Level 3 certificate, which is valid anywhere in the European Union".

Reporter: "Let's see those who are waiting".

Prof. Mona Rudnic, technological education school inspector: "I didn't think there were so many kids... They come for these scholarships too, it's true. But why wouldn't they?"

There are, of course, success stories, but students from vocational schools, which last three years, and those from technical high schools, with four years of study, have a particular profile. A study from last year shows that 38% of children work during high school, 30% help their parents with heavy household chores and tasks outside the home. 27% take care of younger siblings, and one in 10% cares for a sick relative.

Prof. Monica Georgiana, economics college teacher: "We try to remedy where there is a gap. We don't forget about Romanian, mathematics, economics".

The idea is for a student in mechanics, veterinary technology or aeronautics to be able to change their career. Sometimes it's necessary.

-Aviation is also a possibility, I haven't yet... determined what to do next.

-Between what would you like to do?

-Yes, between what I would like to do. I was thinking of having my own company, something.

-What?

-Business, something.