Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to, through the identification of factors relating to exclusion and the subsequent development of support measures to alleviate such, create possibilities for young people to experience coherence and participation. The data was collected by means of a questionnaire distributed to four vocational institutes in Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia, Finland; the sample consists of the replies from 415 first-year students (aged 16–20). The summarized study results were used to create a practical model intended to prevent exclusion and non-participation amongst students pursuing a vocational education. The model was developed from the questionnaire's four thematic topics, which comprise the basic components of the model. These topics are «studies», «relationships», «health», and «perception of life». Based on the replies given in the questionnaire, support measures were developed in relation to the thematic topics. The support measures developed are also based on various legislative documents and from models previously in place at the vocational institutes participating in the study. To ensure that the study's model is viable in practice, a screening is required so that those students at risk of being excluded can be identified.