In a Vocational Education classroom, students share tools, workbenches, and spaces where they’re trained to become future professionals.
There’s a basic rule in every workshop:
👉 Every tool must be returned to its place after use.
Sounds simple. Almost obvious.
But one day, someone didn’t put back a screwdriver. Maybe in a hurry. Maybe by accident. No one asked.
The next person didn’t return theirs either. There was already one out of place… who would notice one more?
Over time, the tool wall showed more empty spots. Finding what was needed took longer. Disarray became normal. And good habits slowly faded.
There’s a name for this: the broken window effect.
🛠️ It happens in workshops.
🛠️ It happens in VET programmes.
🛠️ It happens in companies.
🛠️ It happens in workplace culture.
VET isn’t just about learning a trade. It’s about learning commitment, order, respect, and teamwork.
🎓 A tip for training centres, teachers and mentors: even if it’s not yours, return the screwdriver. Set the example. What starts with a simple gesture can shape —or transform— the culture of an entire group.
And it works the other way too: one good habit can spark change. 😉
