[Relation of vocational orientation/vocational education and illness status]

A cross-sectional analysis was carried out to examine factors exercising an effect on the sickness rate among trainees. The study comprised 389 boys and 217 girls in their first or second years of apprenticeship. The sickness rate was found to be lower among young people with a high level of motivation and achievement than among those achieving less well. An appropriate practical vocational training helps to decrease the number of apprentices absent due to illness.