TikTok Trend: PAU Students and Their Gardening FP Obsession
As the PAU, Spain’s university entrance exams, draw near each year, students face immense pressure to perform well. In a bid to cope with this stress, a recent TikTok trend has emerged, humorously depicting the so-called “Gardening FP” (Vocational Training) as a backup plan for students who fear they might not succeed. A viral TikTok video by creator Ikero800 encapsulates this sentiment perfectly, capturing the stress and humor inherent in preparing for these critical exams.
Understanding the Context: Pressure of the PAU
In the weeks leading up to the PAU, students from all over Spain often find themselves overwhelmed with last-minute revisions and anxiety. Ikero800’s comedic video provides a lighthearted take on this intense scenario. By showing a phone screen lighting up with “FP de Jardinería,” or Gardening FP, the video suggests that students might soon be considering alternative paths if they don’t do well. The comedic value lies in the juxtaposition of stress with a seemingly trivial outcome.
The Viral Impact: What This Trend Reflects
The laughter sparked by Ikero800’s video is not just for amusement; it highlights the broader societal issue of educational pressure. As competition for university spots intensifies, so does student anxiety. According to numerous studies, the average cut-off marks have risen dramatically over the past decade, creating what many are calling “grade inflation.” For instance, a recent report indicated that the average cut-off score has increased from 7.78 in 2016 to a staggering 9.63 in 2026.
This trend, while entertaining, underscores the increasing difficulty of gaining admission to popular university programs and the collective anxiety that students share. With many feeling like their future is on the line, humor becomes a tool for coping.
TikTok’s Role in This Phenomenon
With around 15,900 videos and counting utilizing sound from Ikero800’s original post, TikTok serves as a platform for students to share their own experiences and reactions regarding the PAU. From jokes about cramming for exams to parodying other vocational training paths like Plumbing FP and Cooking FP, students are finding community and relief in shared experiences.
The Reality of Vocational Training
While the humor surrounding Gardening FP may seem dismissive of vocational training, the truth is far from it. Recent data shows that vocational training can be a highly beneficial alternative to traditional university degrees. For example, between 73% to 79.5% of vocational training graduates find employment shortly after completion, outpacing the employability of university graduates, which stands at around 66%. Furthermore, certain vocational paths, such as Gardening and Floristry, offer significant job stability and earnings potential.
Conclusion: Embracing the Path of Gardening FP
Although the TikTok trend may poke fun at the idea of falling back on Gardening FP, it ultimately draws attention to a critical conversation about the pressures students face today. As stereotypes about vocational training continue to shift, it’s essential to recognize that these programs offer viable and often lucrative alternatives. By laughing at the absurdity of their circumstances, students are not just coping with stress—they are paving the way toward a future where different paths are embraced and valued equally.
Whether through TikTok humor or essential conversations about educational reform, the message remains clear: Gardeners might just have the next great career ahead of them.