paragraph on importance of vocational education

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Why Should We Care About Vocational Education?

Some years ago I was hired by Norway's Ministry of Education to train vocational education teachers. Having myself attended a comprehensive high school where vocational students were those who couldn't make it academically, and having taught in a suburban high school where there was zero vocational education, it was eye-opening to be in a country where vocational education had high prestige, was well-funded, and included students who could have gone to medical school if that had been their preference.

I was reminded of this experience recently when Tony Wagner, the author of The Global Achievement Gap and, most recently, Creating Innovators (much more on that book in a future column), spoke with educators and parents in my community and noted that in Finland's highly successful educational system, 45% of the students choose a technical track, not an academic track, after completing their basic education.

Blue-Collar Stigma in White-Collar Society

I'm sure many high school counselors have had some students confide that what they enjoyed doing most was working with their hands, whether on car engines, electrical circuits in the house, hair, or doing therapeutic massage. I bet that many of these students also confided that there is no way they could tell their parents that they'd rather pursue one of these occupations than go to college to prepare for a professional or business career.

We live in a society that places a high value on the professions and white-collar jobs, and that still considers blue-collar work lower status. It's no surprise that parents want their children to pursue careers that will maintain or increase their status. This is even more evident in high socio-economic communities. And for most teachers, if the student is academically successful, this will be seen as a "waste of talent."

The same dilemma often exists for students who are working to overcome the achievement gap. Most schools that are effectively helping kids to overcome this gap and achieve academically also place a premium on college admissions, often the mark of success for these schools. And kids who are the first in their families to graduate high school appear foolish to "throw this all away" by choosing some alternative to college and a blue collar career.

This bias against vocational education is dysfunctional. First, it is destructive to our children. They should have the opportunity to be trained in whatever skills their natural gifts and preferences lead them to, rather than more or less condemning them to jobs they'll find meaningless. If a young person has an affinity for hair design or one of the trades, to keep him or her from developing the skills to pursue this calling is destructive.

Second, it is destructive to our society. Many of the skills most needed to compete in the global market of the 21st century are technical skills that fall into the technical/vocational area. The absence of excellence in many technical and vocational fields is also costing us economically as a nation.

In the early sixties, John Gardner, in his classic book Excellence , talked about the importance of vocational education and of developing excellence across all occupations for the social and economic health of our society. Unfortunately, we've made little progress in the intervening years. Students who don't excel in traditional academic areas, or who have little interest in them, should not meet with disappointment or disapproval from parents and teachers. As another Gardner, Howard Gardner, has repeatedly pointed out, there are varied types of intelligence, and they are of equal value. As one example, bodily-kinesthetic and spatial intelligence are frequently high in those who are successful in varied technical trades. And there is absolutely no contradiction between recognizing and developing these intelligences and developing basic verbal and mathematical literacy for all students.

Vocational Education Groundswell

While changing societal values will take time, changes can take place on a school or district level more immediately. And the good news is that there are increasing models and resources to guide educators.

Joe Klein in a recent Time magazine article described an increasing number of excellent and well-funded vocational programs in the U.S., particularly in Arizona. Two of these, the East Valley Institute of Technology in Mesa and the Career and Technical Education Program at Monument Valley High School in Kayenta, provide both inspiration and practical models that could be implemented in many districts.

There are also more schools across the U.S. that are creating internship programs to help students gain workplace experiences while enrolled in an academic high school. At City Arts and Technology High in San Francisco, all juniors and seniors secure internships in the community, where they are mentored by an on-site professional and regularly visited by their school advisor. MetWest High School in Oakland, California is one of many that place student internships at the center of their mission. And Nancy Hoffman's excellent new book, Schooling in the Workplace , looks at how six countries successfully integrate schools and workplaces, while also providing a look at where this is happening in the U.S.

Finally, being able to begin legitimizing vocational education in a district may also depend on successfully re-educating parents regarding the value of occupations that aren't high on the social status scale. Mike Rose's The Mind at Work: Valuing the Intelligence of the American Worker , provides an excellent antidote to our social biases about intelligence and an eye-opening look at the combination of cognitive and manual skills needed in occupations that our society has mistakenly devalued.

Vocational education on both a secondary and post-secondary level should be highly valued, well-funded and effectively implemented. The first steps can and should be taken on a local level.

Essay on Vocational Education for Students and Children

500 words essay on vocational education.

It refers to a skill-based program that enables students to obtain knowledge, training, and practical skills of a specific trade. It is often referred to as technical or career education as it helps students develop skills in a particular discipline. In addition, they focus more on application-based training rather than theoretical knowledge.

Besides, diverse job functions from various sectors such as food and beverages, computer network cosmetology, banking and finance, tourism, skilled trades, and healthcare, etc. include vocational training.

Source: NIOS

Benefits of Vocational Training

The vocational training has many benefits not only for an individual but also for the nation. Furthermore, some benefits of vocational training are:

Job-ready – This training makes a person job-ready and students can directly get a job after completing their studies. In addition, it provides students the required set of skills and training for various jobs such as fashion designers, computer networking, interior designing and many more. Also, it makes the person skilled and ready for the job of their respective fields.

Low Education Cost – The fees of these courses are quite economic and anyone can easily afford to pay for them. Moreover, they are an easy alternative for those students who do not want to opt for a 3-year degree course. Many of these vocational courses are as good as degree courses and offer employment quickly. Besides, they are best for those students who cannot afford the cost of the degree course.

Career advancement – They are also the best alternative for those people who have a job and want to acquire new skills. Also, the duration of these courses is quite less compared to the degree courses but the set of skills taught is quite useful and important.

Besides, it is quite effective for a professional to improve the prospect of their career. In addition, dropouts and students who are less interested in academic studies can choose from a range of diverse courses in their field of interest.

Economic Development – The demand for skilled professionals in the various sector is growing day by day in the world. In addition, the existence of skilled manpower is beneficial to society as well as the economy of developing nations. With this, the need for importing manpower from other nation is also reduced.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Growing Need for Vocational Education

The development of nations requires skilled manpower and vocational education prepares them for the job. Also, the demand for skilled labor has increased manifold in both the business and government sectors. Furthermore, over the year the vocational education has diversified immensely.

Moreover, vocational courses come as a surprise package as students get the opportunity to enhance and get trained to improve their natural talents and skills. Besides, they become highly successful in their field and fetch good packages.

In conclusion, the students who complete these courses are better at a job than those who only receive an academic education. Also, it is an asset of the country that helps the economy to develop and grow. In addition, there is a high demand for these skilled people in both the government and the business sector. Above all, it benefits students, society, nation, and employers.

FAQs about Essay on Vocational Education

Q.1 How vocational education is different from traditional education? A.1 In traditional education the main emphasis is on teaching and learning of theoretical materials. But vocational education emphasizes on learning and teaching of practical knowledge. Also, vocational education makes the person job-ready.

Q.2 Who is the father of vocational education? A.2 Charles Allen Prosser is known as the father of vocational education. His aim was to improve the education system of the country which later reforms the world.

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Benefits of Vocational Education

The benefits of vocational education: how it can shape your career.

When applying for a job online, you may have come across the requirement stating, ‘We need someone with 10 years of experience.’ Do you find this strange? That is the characteristic most organizations seek in job candidates. Increasing competition has resulted in businesses and organizations seeking candidates who already possess the knowledge and skills required when joining, thus saving a significant amount of training time. However, how is this possible?

Your chances of success can be improved with vocational education. A vocational education and skills training program is aimed at preparing students for a specific career path. Through this program, students are provided with essential skills necessary for their future employment. Training is usually provided through classroom instruction, practical training, and on-the-job experience.

What is Vocational Education?

First, let's understand what vocational education is all about. The vocational education and skills training programs are designed to prepare individuals for a specific job or career. Through this course, students can gain essential skills (or vocational skills) needed for future employment as well as general knowledge similar to what is learned in high school.

Alternatively, it can be referred to as career and technical education (CTE) or technical and vocational education and training (TVET). Students are prepared in various spheres of life for specific jobs, careers, and trades. There are a number of practical activities involved. This type of education is sometimes termed technical education, as trainees directly develop skills using a specific set of techniques. Apprenticeships are one of the oldest systems of learning in vocational education.

Developing Vocational Skills is Important

In the current labor market, a gap exists between available jobs and potential employees. The shortage of in-demand skills has led experts to conclude that most employees will not be able to meet these requirements. It goes without saying that vocational education is an important part of the job market.

There is constant change and evolution in the global economy. To stay relevant in our careers, we need to continually learn about a variety of topics.

As a result, vocational education programs are in high demand to help individuals develop their technical skills and build their knowledge base so they can easily get hired by companies that seek skilled individuals. It is important for a vocational education institute to appear credible.

Potential learners would be likely to enroll based on their success rate, well-designed website, and a vocational school logo that is professional and trustworthy.

There are several benefits to attending a vocational school. By learning and indulging in a specific trade, students can embark on an enlightening career path. Once students understand the importance of vocational education, they will find that this type of instruction offers unparalleled benefits. Some of these are mentioned below:

Practical Skills are The Focus

Vocational education training emphasizes "learning by doing". It is more important to focus on learning through practice rather than theory. Vocational schools devote a greater amount of time to training students in work-related skills. As part of their studies, students will acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to practice their chosen profession competently.

This form of learning provides an opportunity for students to gain work experience during their course rather than as something they must pursue outside of the classroom through internships or part-time employment. In addition to gaining practical experience in their field of study, graduates can get a head start on their careers once they begin working full-time.

Providing Students with a Global Education

Students attending vocational schools come from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. The course environment allows students to interact with other students of different races, ethnicities, and cultures. Globally, students attend classes from various nations and work in the hospitality industry throughout the world.

Globalization continues to grow every year. Due to the Internet, companies and customers can communicate instantly, reducing the gap between individuals from diverse backgrounds. Tourism and travel allow people to become familiar with different cultures and locations around the world. Every year, more individuals take advantage of these opportunities.

Students who receive an education that allows them to interact with such a diverse group of people will benefit in their careers. In addition to cross-cultural experience, students graduate with the insight needed to succeed in jobs overseas, including communication skills and a better understanding of different cultures. To put it another way, their organizations benefit from them in a globalized environment.

Flexible Class Schedules

The traditional university system is designed to accommodate recent high school graduates who are currently completing all their educational requirements before entering the workforce. The majority of them have fewer courses available in the evenings for students working a 9-5.

Due to the wide range of students they serve, vocational training schools offer more diverse options. Programs usually offer flexible schedules so students can attend while working or taking care of their families. Some programs also offer online programs that can be completed whenever the student has the time.

Bringing Passions to Life

The reason individuals choose vocational training is to follow their passions or jobs that interest them primarily. One can observe, as soon as they enter a vocational school, that they spend substantial amounts of time and energy pursuing something they are passionate about. Consequently, students benefit from an environment that is conducive to learning.

Provide Hands-on Experience

University education traditionally emphasizes theoretical knowledge rather than hands-on training and practical experience. For certain occupations, such as engineering, that type of knowledge is extremely valuable. While many people enroll in university programs, they primarily acquire background knowledge. Thus, as their careers progress, they will have to learn on the job.

Unlike traditional schools of education, vocational training schools emphasize both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Thus, whether your employment is in information technology, holistic healthcare, or another industry, you are likely to be better prepared than someone whose degree emphasizes theoretical knowledge.

Providing More Direct Training

Students who attend a traditional four-year university do not have the opportunity to study their chosen field for four years. Generally speaking, universities emphasize the liberal arts to provide students with a well-rounded education.

It is unfortunate that in order to meet your credit requirements, you are required to take silly and sometimes unnecessary courses like ceramics and frisbee golf.

A vocational school specializes in training you for your particular profession, so you learn the skills that you will need on a daily basis in your career.

Programs That Are Adaptable

A vocational program is designed to support non-conventional students who have other responsibilities on top of their studies. With options such as online courses , evening classes, and night weekends, this alternative is particularly useful for those who work full-time but are trying to develop new career skills.

Finding a Job is Easier for Students

Students who complete a vocational program have specific training and practical experience in their particular fields. They know their prospective employer knows they have specialized training and experience in the area so that they can start the job right away.

There are many professional opportunities available to students as a result of this. It is no longer necessary for them to worry about applying for jobs with no specific work experience in their chosen field, without which they might not be considered for the position. The education students receive is designed to allow them to jump right into a position without the need for training and to prepare them for success in the workplace significantly faster than those who have attended traditional academic institutions.

Faster School Completion is Often Possible for Students

As vocational programs are oriented specifically towards career choice, students finish them faster than other programs. For example, U.S. Career Institute's Online HVAC School and Online Electrician School can be completed in as little as four to six months!

As a result of spending less time in school, students have the opportunity to transition from spending money on training and learning to making money in their careers more quickly, yielding a net benefit to themselves financially.

The purpose of education extends beyond ranks, grades, and numbers. We can mold and shape ourselves to create a better future with the help of this powerful weapon. Let's break stigmas and embrace alternative teaching methods that focus less on theory and rote learning. Children should be liberated and allowed to decide what they feel best suits them.

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OECD Education and Skills Today

Global perspectives on education and skills

Why vocational education matters more than you might think

By Giovanni Maria Semeraro

Statistician, OECD Directorate for Education and Skills 

Vocational education has not always had the best reputation. Vocational programmes are often technical in nature, and their graduates typically expect lower incomes relative to those who complete general or academic tracks. As a result, vocational education is generally perceived as a track for low-achieving students, or an alternative for those who drop out.

But this reputation is not entirely deserved. In our latest Education Indicators in Focus brief , we examine the characteristics of vocational education and training programmes in modern education systems, and unmask some of the myths surrounding them.

To start with, vocational education may be more attractive than we think. As the following figure makes clear, many countries across the OECD have developed strong and robust vocational education systems. In 2016, almost half (44%) of upper secondary students across all OECD countries were enrolled in vocational tracks. In Austria, the Czech Republic, Finland, the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, that figure was around 70%.

It is true that lower-performing students tend to enter vocational programmes at the upper secondary level. PISA data show that enrolment in vocational tracks is strongly associated with poor student performance; on average across OECD countries, the share of low performers in vocational programmes is twice as large as in general tracks. Low performance can make students feel disengaged from school, and more likely to drop out. Students in upper secondary vocational tracks are also less likely to complete their programme than those enrolled in general programmes, which carries obvious consequences for them in the labour market.

But vocational education and training systems attract a diverse range of other students, as well. Although some vocational students are indeed at risk of dropping out of school, others are simply seeking technical skills for labour market entry. Vocational students also include adults who wish to increase their employability by further developing their skills, as well as students who might later seek entry into higher education. A common characteristic of these programmes is their central role in preparing young people for work and responding to labour market needs. Because of this, vocational programmes are fairly resilient to economic downturns. During the 2008 recession, vocational education and training effectively addressed youth unemployment in countries like Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

Strong vocational systems are based on strong career guidance, links with the labour market and flexible curricula.

Today, a growing number of countries recognise the value of strong vocational education systems as a way to prepare students for direct entry into specific occupations, and are investigating measures to increase their relevance and attractiveness to students. Strong vocational systems provide students with career guidance and the opportunity to make a smooth transition to the labour market, or to pursue higher-level vocational and academic qualifications. They provide flexible curricula that enable transfers between general and vocational education and address initial, continuous and tertiary education.

Among vocational education and training programmes, combined school- and work-based programmes have several advantages. Learners receive an education that combines practical and theoretical learning, while firms receive access to a workforce that is tailored to their needs and already familiar with firm-specific procedures. Strong ties with employers and trade unions can help ensure that the vocational education system is connected with labour market needs and demands; and there is strong potential to develop these types of programmes even further. On average across OECD countries, only 11% of upper secondary students (or one in four vocational students) are enrolled in combined school- and work-based programmes.

High-quality vocational education and training can clearly make a major contribution to modern economies and labour markets. As jobs either disappear or transform with time, vocational education and training can ensure that workers develop the skills that labour markets need.

• Education Indicators in Focus no. 68: What characterises upper secondary Vocational Education and Training?
• Education at a Glance 2018: OECD Indicators
• Low-Performing Students: Why They Fall Behind and How To Help Them Succeed
• Skills beyond School, Synthesis Report

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What we know about Career and Technical Education in high school

Subscribe to the center for economic security and opportunity newsletter, brian a. jacob brian a. jacob walter h. annenberg professor of education policy; professor of economics, and professor of education - university of michigan, former brookings expert.

October 5, 2017

• 17 min read

Career and technical education (CTE) has traditionally played an important role in U.S. secondary schools. The first federal law providing funding for vocational education was passed in 1917, even before education was compulsory in every state. 1

CTE encompasses a wide range of activities intended to simultaneously provide students with skills demanded in the labor market while preparing them for post-secondary degrees in technical fields. Activities include not only specific career-oriented classes, but also internships, apprenticeships and in-school programs designed to foster work readiness.

CTE advocates cite several goals of career-oriented learning experiences. For non-college-bound students, CTE can provide hands-on training that translates directly to attractive careers upon graduation. Work-related or internship-like experiences that are often a part of CTE can teach students the “soft skills” necessary in the labor market. Finally, by integrating academic skills into a “real world” context, advocates claim that CTE can motivate students to attend school more frequently and be more engaged, and therefore improve core academic skills.

However, CTE has been on the decline for several decades. Starting in the 1980s, states increased the number of courses required for high school graduation, and began mandating students take additional courses in core academic areas such as math, science, social studies and foreign language. 2 These additional requirements, along with declining funding 3 and a growing perception that all young people should be encouraged to obtain a four-year college degree, led to a sharp decline in CTE participation. Between 1990 and 2009, the number of CTE credits earned by U.S. high school students dropped by 14 percent. 4

The past decade has seen a resurgence in interest in CTE. Scholarship in the area of education and the labor market has increased markedly. 5 In the past four years alone, media mentions of “career and technical education” have quadrupled. 6 In 2015 alone, 39 states instituted 125 new laws, policies or regulations relating to CTE, many of which increased state funding for such programs. Montana, for example, doubled the annual statewide appropriation for secondary CTE; Nevada tripled its funding. 7

Unfortunately, research on CTE has not kept pace with policy interest. 8

What does earlier non-experimental research tell us?

Prior non-experimental evidence suggests that students who participate in secondary CTE programs have higher employment and earnings than demographically-similar peers in the short run, but they do not necessarily have better academic outcomes. For example, many studies show little or no differences between CTE participants and comparison groups in terms of academic achievement, high school graduation or college enrollment. 9

A good example of this type of research is a recent study by Daniel Kreisman and Kevin Stange, which relies on data from the NLSY97, a nationally representative sample of 12- to 17- year-old youth in 1997 that tracks individuals over time.

They find that CTE participation is not strongly associated with educational attainment – CTE students are marginally less likely to enroll in college but no less likely to earn a degree – but CTE coursework does predict employment outcomes. Importantly, they find that CTE participation is associated with higher wages, with the increase driven entirely by upper-level coursework, defined as courses within a sequence beyond the introductory class, in more technical fields. Each additional year of upper-level vocational coursework is associated with a nearly 2 percent wage increase. 10 This suggests that the benefits of CTE education stem from in-depth study of a specific area consistent with the recent trend toward “pathways of study” within CTE. 11

As the authors recognize, however, the biggest challenge in evaluating CTE is that students typically self-select into such programs, or student choices are circumscribed by the types of programs offered in nearby schools. In either case, it is likely that students participating in CTE are different in many ways than other youth who do not participate in CTE – in terms of their personal abilities and interests, family background, etc. On the one hand, many observers have described CTE as a “dumping ground” for lower-achieving or unmotivated students. 12 On the other hand, because CTE is not the “default” pathway, the students who participate must be at least somewhat motivated and informed. 13

CTE can motivate students to attend school more frequently and be more engaged, and therefore improve core academic skills.

Kreisman and Stange attempt to circumvent this selection problem using what researchers refer to as an instrumental variables strategy. Simply put, they compare students across schools with different high school graduation requirements because, as they show, the greater the number of required courses, the fewer CTE courses students take. Using this approach, they find that the wage benefits associated with CTE disappear.

However, a key assumption here is that, after controlling for observable student and school characteristics, the students attending high schools with fewer graduation requirements are identical to those attending high schools with more graduation requirements. 14 As the authors recognize, this is a very strong assumption. If this assumption is true, it implies that students whose CTE course-taking is influenced by graduation requirements realize little benefit from it. Of course, it may still be the case that those who self-select into CTE benefit from it, and that prohibiting them from doing so would be detrimental.

A further complication is that virtually all of the existing research on CTE has focused on relatively short-run outcomes. This is a notable limitation because many believe that career-focused education involves a tradeoff – namely, learning a narrower set of technical skills that can provide short-run benefits at the expense of learning more fundamental skills that will better serve individuals in the long-run. 15 Indeed, a recent study using European data finds some evidence of exactly this type of tradeoff. 16 Given the changes we expect to take place in the labor market in coming years, and how often individuals might need to switch occupations, this is a potentially serious concern. Of course, advocates of CTE argue – with some justification – that career-oriented education today does aim to teach core academic skills essential to lifelong learning, and often does so better than traditional schooling, particularly for disadvantaged youth. 17

the gold standard

The single best way to avoid such selection problems and determine the causal impact of a policy or program is through a randomized control trial. While such experiments can be expensive and are often logistically or politically difficult, they have a long history in education policy research. Other research designs, known as quasi-experimental research, attempt to approximate the same design with statistical techniques.

According to the What Works Clearinghouse, for example, there are 83 programs with experimental or quasi-experimental evidence in the area of early childhood education, 39 programs for dropout-prevention, and 32 programs for English language learners.

In the area of secondary CTE, there is only 1. Yes, one. This study examined Career Academies in the early 1990s, before many of the occupations common today even existed and prior to the introduction of policies with important implications for secondary schools (e.g., school accountability). 18

Structured as distinct programs embedded within comprehensive high schools, the Career Academies provided students with career-oriented instruction in a particular field along with internships and other activities to prepare students for, and connect them with, the labor market. The schools in the study were located in or near large urban areas with predominantly low-income minority student populations. The Career Academy programs were oversubscribed, which permitted admissions to be determined by lottery.

Researchers found that Career Academies had no impact (positive or negative) on high school graduation, postsecondary enrollment or educational attainment. However, the study found that students who received the opportunity to attend a career academy earned 11 percent more than the control group. Interestingly, this positive wage effect was driven entirely by male students, who enjoyed a 17 percent earnings boost. Males defined as high-risk based on baseline characteristics (i.e. prior to high school) realized the largest benefits from the program. There was no significant difference between the earnings of females in the treatment and control group.

This single study has been cited hundreds of times, and is featured prominently in nearly every literature review and many policy proposals regarding CTE. While this was an extremely well-done evaluation of an important CTE model, it has important limitations. As noted elsewhere, Career Academies are a small component of CTE provision nationwide. 19 The study itself focused on a small number of sites which, as evidenced by their oversubscription, were perceived as high quality. 20

and then there were two

Compelling research on CTE recently doubled with the release of a new study of regional vocational and technical high schools (RVTS) in Massachusetts. 21

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Unlike the Career Academies described above, RVTS are entire schools devoted to career-oriented instruction. Students spend one week in the classroom followed by one week in a technical shop. While students in other schools have access to CTE courses, RVTS offer more variety in terms of the program of study, and the programs themselves are typically higher quality than those found in comprehensive high schools.

The author of the study, Shaun Dougherty, obtained detailed data on student applications to three RVTS. Because the schools are often oversubscribed, they admit students on the basis of their attendance, grades and discipline record in middle school. By comparing the educational outcomes of students who scored just above the admissions threshold (and thus were very likely to attend) and just below the admissions threshold (who mostly did not attend), Dougherty is able to account for the selection bias that has plagued prior CTE research. This approach is known as a regression discontinuity design. What Works Clearinghouse considers well-done studies of this type to provide evidence nearly as compelling as an RCT.

Dougherty finds that attending a RVTS dramatically increases the likelihood of high school graduation. Poor students are 32 percentage points more likely to graduate if they attend a RVTS, which represents a 60 percent increase given the baseline graduation rate of 50 percent. The effect for non-poor students is somewhat smaller, but still quite large – an increase of 23 percentage points from a baseline of 67 percent, suggesting a nearly 35 percent improvement. 22 At the same time, Dougherty finds that attending a RVTS has no impact (positive or negative) on the standardized math and reading exams that all Massachusetts students take at the end of 10 th grade.

where to go from here?

More rigorous research on CTE programs is clearly needed. To its credit, the Institute for Education Sciences (IES) recently initiated several new data collection and research grants in this area. The recent study by Dougherty is a great start, but only a start. Further progress requires a series of studies that build on each other, and examine different approaches to CTE. Because states play a large role in developing and overseeing CTE programming, they must take the lead. States have been very active in passing laws, issuing regulations and disseminating policies about CTE. States now need to step up and support a research agenda that can help ensure these new initiatives are successful.

The author did not receive any financial support from any firm or person for this article or from any firm or person with a financial or political interest in this article. He is currently not an officer, director, or board member of any organization with an interest in this article.

• The Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 preceded the passage of compulsory attendance laws in Mississippi in 1918 , the last of the 48 states of the time to pass such a law.
• Jacob et al. (2017). “Are Expectations Alone Enough? Estimating the Effect of a Mandatory College-Prep Curriculum in Michigan.” Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis,39(2): 333-360. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.3102/0162373716685823 .
• U.S. Department of Education (2014). National assessment of career and technical education. Final report to congress. Technical report, Washington, DC.
• Hudson, L. (2013). “Trends in CTE Coursetaking. data point.” National Center for Education Statistics, NCES 2014-901.
• Shaun M. Dougherty and Allison R. Lomarbardi. “From Vocational Education to Career Readiness: The Ongoing Work of Linking Education and the Labor Market.” Chapter 10 in Review of Research in Education, March 2016, Vol. 40: 326–355
• From 5,518 stories in 2014 to 22,755 stories from January 1 to September 28 of this year, based on author’s Meltwater analysis.
• http://www.acteonline.org/uploadedFiles/Who_We_Are/Press/2015_State-Policy-Review_FINAL%20(1).pdf
• Corinne Alfeld made this same point in an IES blog post earlier this year.  See https://ies.ed.gov/blogs/research/post/career-technical-education-is-growing-research-must-follow
• For good reviews of this prior literature, see Kreisman and Stange (forthcoming) and Dougherty (forthcoming).
• The benefits of upper-level CTE coursework is driven largely by those focusing in technical fields.
• While selection bias is still a concern, it is worthwhile noting that the authors control for a very rich set of covariates including student demographics, parental income, parental education, student AFQT score, freshman year GPA, state of birth and various school characteristics.
• See, for example, Kelly, S. & Price, H. (2009). Vocational education: A clear slate for disengaged students? Social Science Research, 38 (4), 810–825.
• Insofar as CTE programs involve travel to/from worksites, it seems likely that participation requires more time than a student would have to devote to a standard high school track.
• As the authors discuss in detail in the paper, there are two reasons why their instrumental variable results might differ from their OLS regression results. The first is that the students who self-select into CTE have some positive, unobservable characteristics that explain their success in the labor market. The second is that there is true heterogeneity in the returns to CTE – the students who self-select do indeed benefit from the experience, but those whose course-taking decisions can be swayed by their school’s graduation requirements do not benefit.
• http://hanushek.stanford.edu/publications/german-style-apprenticeships-simply-cant-be-replicated
• Among younger people, employment rates are higher among those with vocational education. However, this pattern reverses by age 50. These patterns are most pronounced in countries that have highly developed work-based education systems such as Germany, Denmark and Switzerland. See Hanushek et al. (2017). “General Education, Vocational Education, and Labor-Market Outcomes over the Life-Cycle.” Journal of Human Resources. 52(1): 49-88.
• http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/top_performers/2017/07/the_false_choice_between_vocational_and_academic_education.html
• Kemple, J & Willner, C.J. (2008). Career academies: Long-term impacts on labor market outcomes, educational attainment, and transitions to adulthood . MDRC.
• Kreisman and Stange (2016), “Vocational and Career Tech Education in American High Schools: The Value of Depth Over Breadth.” NBER working paper
• And, if one looks beyond the headline results, the detailed findings of the Career Academy raise a number of important questions about the mechanisms, and thus generalizability, of the impacts. For example, students in the treatment group reported significantly higher levels of interpersonal support from teachers and peers than their comparison counterparts. While Career Academy students did engage in work-based experiences that control students did not, researchers found that the curricula and instructional materials used in the Career Academies were similar to those used in other parts of the high school, and did not meaningfully integrate academic content with career-related applications. Together these findings suggest that the benefits of attending a career academy may relate as much to the school culture as the particular career focus, similar to the benefits of attending a small school or “school-within-a-school.”Bloom, Howard S., and Rebecca Unterman. 2014. Can small high schools of choice improve educational prospects for disadvantaged students? Journal of Policy Analysis and Management 33(2): 290–319.
• Dougherty, S.M. (forthcoming). “The Effect of Career and Technical Education on Human Capital Accumulation: Causal Evidence from Massachusetts.” Education Finance & Policy.
• These findings are consistent with some prior research suggesting that CTE participation can increase attachment to school. See, for example, the following studies: Plank, Stephen B., Stefanie DeLuca, and Angela Estacion. 2008. High school dropout and the role of career and technical education: A survival analysis of surviving high school. Sociology of Education 81(4): 345–370. Cellini, Stephanie Riegg, “Smoothing the Transition to College? The Effect of Tech-Prep Programs on Educational Attainment,” Economics of Education Review, 25(4), August 2006: 394-411.

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Purposes of Vocational Education

• First Online: 01 January 2011

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• Stephen Billett 2  

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This chapter builds upon the previous discussions to delineate and elaborate the purposes of vocational education. In doing so, it advances an understanding of how this sector of education should be organised and enacted to meet these purposes and on what bases vocational education provisions should be appraised. The previous chapters discuss the concepts of vocations and occupations as key premises to consider the purposes, forms, organisation and enactment of vocational education. The development of the sector of education referred to as vocational education has also just been discussed. It has been proposed that there are social and personal dimensions to both vocations and occupations. Personal imperatives are stronger in the former and social imperatives in the latter, and these emphases have implications for both the purposes and processes of vocational education. It has also been advanced that in many countries the formation of dedicated vocational education systems was associated with realising societal (i.e. national) imperatives. Typically, these imperatives were threefold: (i) the need for skilled workers, (ii) a more educated youth and (iii) the engagement of young people with civil society. Consequently, the purposes of vocational education need to take account of and reflect the scope of the personal and social factors that constitute these conceptions and imperatives. It has also been advanced that vocational practitioners have often been denied a voice in the presentation of what constitutes the work they do, its worth and complexity and the kinds and provisions of preparation that might best serve its continuity.

Education is the terrain where power and politics are given a fundamental expression, since it is where meaning, desire, language and values are engaged and respond to the deeper beliefs about the very nature of what it means to be human, to dream, and to name and struggle for a particular future and way of life. (Giroux, 1985 , p. xiii)

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• Trends in Education

The importance of vocational training for career development

April 04, 2021 •

8 min reading

When it comes to finding a job and encouraging emerging professionals to excel in their new career path, making sure that graduates have the skills they need for the position plays an essential role.

Students who do not have the necessary skills will quickly find themselves struggling in their new position. They may start to lose confidence and feel unsure about what to do. The businesses that hire them will also feel frustrated as they lose money and time. They find themselves training new employees who do not have the insight and practical knowledge they need to do what they were hired to do.

"Vocational education and training, allows students to gain practical experience in their chosen career path before they even graduate."

Students who finish those rigorous programs, have the credentials and training they need to get started right away in their chosen career path.

Not only do the students feel confident in their abilities, but the employers themselves know that they have made a solid choice in their new hire and can count on them to begin excelling in the position quickly.

For those interested in the benefits of vocational education for job training and career preparation, here are some of the key positives for both students and employers with this type of career-preparation path.

Skill development and employability

Vocational learning opportunities play a critical role in skill development and employability. The importance of vocational development can largely be summed up as the difference between theoretical knowledge vs. practical skills. In non-vocational studies, students often spend hours of their time exploring a variety of different subjects. Their class time tends to be only a few hours per week, as they will spend many hours in the library and on computers conducting research and writing papers that help them continue to build their theoretical knowledge in a variety of fields.

Even within their chosen discipline, they often spend a significant amount of time exploring theory, ideas, and procedures used by other professionals in the industry. They have significantly fewer opportunities to actually put these ideas to work compared to students going through a vocational education situation. The skills for work and vocational pathways are significantly limited for these students, as their theoretical knowledge does not have the work experience that helps them transition from a classroom study topic into their actual profession. This can sometimes cause challenges when the students graduate and transition into the working world.

However, for students in a vocational education and training setting, this situation gets corrected. Students spend hours in the practical workshops each week learning hands-on practical skills related to their chosen field. Class time tends to increase in these schools, compared to their outside research time, because students spend more time exploring actual work opportunities that prepare them for their future jobs. They do not focus as much time on researching the theoretical as learning the practical.

Students also have courses that will walk them through chances to use the highly specialized equipment and spaces that they need to do their jobs well. Rather than simply learning about this type of equipment or how it might be useful in the job, they actually have the chance to try out their own skills while still in school. When the time comes for them to transition to an actual job, they have the experience they need to begin the job right away. They will not have to spend time learning how to physically operate the equipment on the job, allowing them to become a valuable employee and build a career faster.

INVEST IN EDUCATION TOOLKIT With this 10-step process, you will have all the tools you need to master the critical areas of a successful school

The value of graduating with work skills.

When employers look for new employees to join their institution, they know that they want to find someone who has the skills to do the job well and can adapt quickly to the work environment. Businesses spend a significant amount of money trying to onboard new employees, as they must go through a training process and anticipate that there will be a learning curve for the employee on a new job.

Vocational schools help with bridging the skills gap between work and education.

Students do not enter the work field with little practical experience regarding the tools and environments in which they will work. Instead, they have specifically worked in these situations throughout their education under the supervision of their trainers. This creates a more favorable employability skills assessment. Potential employers can look at the academic record of these students and know the type of skills they will already have when they first enter the building. This effect can be leveraged even more, when a training institution is applying a competency based training approach that is mapped with the industry's needs.

For those interested in learning how to enhance employability skills, therefore, the first solution should lie in vocational learning opportunities. These skills can help students learn the techniques and strategies that they specifically need for this area of work and ensure that they are prepared to succeed. Employers can feel confident that the candidates they receive from a quality school already have the experience and training they need to begin work right away.

Finding a job following graduation

Many graduates struggle to find employment immediately following graduation. It can be a stressful time for many students, trying to balance their last few months of studies as they begin to submit applications and search for positions in their chosen field of work. For students who have graduated from a vocational training school, however, this situation can go a bit differently. They have the experience to list on their resume and employers know they have a significant portion of the training they need. Often they even have started building a professional network through their job placements and internships they could potentially leverage. This helps to open doors to new possibilities.

Graduates often want to know how they can enhance their employability opportunities. The answer lies in gaining the work experience that employers want to see. Bringing this experience can make it significantly easier to find a job. Experience gives employers more insight into how a candidate will perform on the job and how many resources will need to be dedicated to training a new hire for the job. For vocational students, these work experiences become part of the curriculum.

Throughout the studies, students gain hands-on opportunities through internships and practical learning opportunities. Completing real work projects, as they do in a variety of classes, helps students build employable resumes before they even graduate.

Building strong networks for students before graduating

In nearly any industry, the importance of a strong network can play a direct role in finding a job and building a successful career. Connections and relationships can help people find new jobs, learn about new opportunities, and have chances to continue their education and build more career-based skills.

Through a vocation-based education, students have an excellent opportunity to build a strong network that will enhance their learning experience and the rest of their professional careers. With a vocation-based training program, students work more closely with their fellow students and their trainers on their coursework. Since less time is spent independently researching and writing papers and more time is spent in class working on projects and learning practical skills, students naturally develop better and closer relationships with their classmates. Their fellow students transition from being people they simply sit next to in the lecture hall into partners with whom they work during projects and internships.

Similarly, students have more opportunities to get to know their professors. With skills-based training, students work more directly with their trainers. The hands-on opportunities they have to work during their coursework let them complete projects, engage with work tasks, and learn specialized techniques under the direct supervision of the trainer. Trainers are there to provide support and students have opportunities to speak with them and engage with more one-to-one time. This builds relationships and can help students find professional mentors for the transition to the business world. Through internship opportunities, students expand this relationship horizon into the work world, even before graduation.

Altogether, this type of practical classroom experience helps those learning in a vocational training program develop a strong professional network that will benefit them throughout their entire professional career. They will have people who can provide them with insight and guidance as they build a career and find the jobs they want.

Students experience economic benefits

Students who go through vocation-based schooling also have the chance to receive a variety of different economic benefits from their education.

Most importantly, they often do not have to spend as much on their schooling while still receiving an education that prepares them exceptionally well for their field. Vocational schools often have fewer years required to earn the degree of certification and often cost less in tuition each year as well.

Additionally, students who graduate from specialized programs like this can enter their career path faster. Employers know that they already have work experience and training related to their field, which makes it easier to transition into the desired role and takes less of a toll on the business working to onboard them. Students can accept more specialized jobs and earn the applicable salary as well. This combines to create a strong economic opportunity for graduates from vocational programs. Vocational graduates also tend to have a good toolset to raise through the ranks rapidly as they know the trade inside out. Another financial aspect is "earn as you learn" that many vocational training paths offer. Here students have the ability to earn some money and hence reduce the financial impact of their studies through paid internships as part of some curricula.

When it comes to educating students, the importance of building skills-based education cannot be underestimated. Students who attend schools that specialize in teaching them skills that they need to excel in a particular field will find that they finish school well-prepared to enter their chosen field. They gain on-site work experience throughout their education so the transition to the working world is minimal, helping them professionally and financially. The businesses who hire them know that they can count on their new employees to get started immediately in the field and work with a high level of independence and competency, creating a favorable experience for everyone involved.

Those interested in pursuing a vocational pathway for their education and a career in one of the many exciting trade areas these types of schools serve should carefully consider if the benefits described here will help them in their chosen field.

Head of Vocational Education & Training by EHL & Consultant - EHL Education Consulting

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18 Benefits of Vocational Education in 2024

• August 12, 2021

Table of Contents

Vocational education delivers practical, hands-on skills for students to use on the job during their program and immediately after graduation. The process is also known as Career and Technical Education ( CTE ).

There are a wide variety of industries and career options available through vocational education schools and programs. According to the National Center for Educational Statistics , the most popular career fields include the health sciences, trades (manufacturing, construction, repair, and transportation), and consumer services.

The benefits of vocational education fall into three main categories: strong job market and career growth, varied vocational school options, and investment value. Keep reading to learn more.

The Top 18 Benefits of Vocational School in 2024

1. trade schools offer hands-on knowledge.

Traditional universities focus more on theoretical knowledge than hands-on, practical training. That type of knowledge is great for certain jobs like engineering. However, for many people who attend universities, their education is primarily background knowledge so when they get a job, they will need to learn on the job.

Vocational training schools, on the other hand, have a stronger balance between background knowledge and hands-on training. As a result, you’re likely to be better prepared for the day-to-day tasks of your job than someone whose degree has emphasized theoretical knowledge, whether your job is in  information technology ,  holistic healthcare , or another field.

2. Trade Schools Offer More Direct Training

When a student attends a traditional four-year university, they don’t spend four years studying their chosen field. The universities focus more on well-rounded liberal arts to teach students general skills and information.

The problem is that on top of your career training, you end up with silly and sometimes unnecessary classes like pottery-making and frisbee golf solely to meet your credit requirements.

Vocational training school focuses solely on the training you need for your job. You learn the practical skills you’ll need day-to-day in your career rather than skills that are less specific.

3. Individualized Attention from Experienced Instructors

In vocational education programs, you will learn from experienced practitioners who serve as mentors and trainers. Every school is different, but vocational training schools tend to have lower faculty-to-student ratios than traditional colleges, allowing each student direct supervision and guidance. You won’t have the large lecture halls where your needs get lost among 200 other students.

In fact, the average class at ICOHS College has a 1:10 teacher-to-student ratio. Compare that with the national  average of 1:14  among all post-secondary schools, and to the 1:22 average at for-profit private institutions.

Your instructors are industry professionals, prepared not only to train you in specific techniques and skills but guide you to overall success in their particular field. Since they are active members of the industry, they are also well-placed to provide networking and internship opportunities.

4. Education at a Lower Cost / Investment Value

Vocational education is an investment of both time and money towards your personal growth and to build your career.

According to a 2002 report by the U.S. Department of Education (“ National Assessment of Vocational Education ”), students who attend vocational programs benefit from higher employment levels, increased wages, and increased job satisfaction rates.

Many students expect to go into some amount of debt when they invest in their education. However, graduating from a four-year university with $100,000+ in debt means you’re starting your career with a major hurdle to overcome.

Trade schools, on the other hand, are far more cost-effective. The annual cost is often lower than it is at traditional universities, and you’re also paying for two years in most cases compared to four or more. On top of this, ICOHS College offers  financial aid  as well as  military financing options . As a result, you can start your career with far less debt and enjoy the profits of your higher income potential sooner.

5. Classes for Flexible Schedules

Traditional universities are set up for full-time students who have just graduated from high school and are completing all of their education before entering the workforce. Many of them have far fewer course options for students who work a 9-5 job and want to get their education in the evenings.

Vocational training schools have more diverse options because they serve a wider array of students. Most programs offer flexible full-time, part-time, or online schedules, allowing students to work around their work schedule or family needs.

At ICOHS College in particular, we offer hybrid programs as well which equip you with both practical and theoretical knowledge.

Teenagers can get started in vocational training in over 80% of U.S. high schools. At the same time, independent post-graduate institutes cater to the needs of nontraditional students and adult learners at any point in their careers. Students will find diversity in the ages and backgrounds of their vocational education peers.

6. Accreditation

Accredited vocational schools demonstrate a commitment to meeting quality standards through an independent accreditation process. The ACCET (Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training) is the leading national accrediting body for vocational schools.

Vocational programs may obtain additional approvals and certifications to assure their commitment to quality. For example, ICOHS College is accredited by ACCET and approved by the U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, and the California Bureau for Private Post-Secondary Education (BPPE).

In addition, specific professional programs within a vocational school may have additional certifications, such as the American Massage Therapy Association certification or the Cisco Certification for IT specializations.

Accreditation, approvals, and certifications are not just stamps on paper. They assure the community of a vocational school’s commitment to quality, improvement, and peer accountability. They may also open opportunities for professional licensing or additional funding sources.

7. Internships and Practicums

Vocational programs recognize hands-on training in a “real world” context is essential to helping students succeed. Vocational courses are typically delivered through traditional classroom learning and significant practical work in learning labs.

Quality programs build relationships with local companies and business leaders to offer internships and practicums, earn course credit, or provide paid opportunities. These opportunities help develop your skills further and provide employment history and references to round out a resume when applying for future positions.

8. Successful Job Placement

Career counseling and job placement is a large part of the mission of vocational schools. The school’s career services center may help with networking, posting available positions, resume writing, and interview skills to help you launch your career.

Students may find support through study groups, tutoring, and test-taking skills practice in industries with professional licensing exams. Some programs offer career support services not only at graduation but throughout your career.

9. Strong Job Market and Career Growth

At one time, vocational education was considered a less prestigious alternative for high school students not attending college. In recent decades, however, the prestige and strengths of vocational programs have grown, proven through strong rates of employment and higher wages.

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? Get started today . Fill out the form to speak with an Admissions Representative about enrolling at ICOHS College.

Today, prospective students can look to vocational education programs to gain practical experience and acquire the skills needed for jobs across in-demand fields.

10. Growth Industries

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , many of the fastest-growing occupations are in fields served by vocational education.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also helped demonstrate a need for skilled workers in fundamental infrastructure and service positions, including healthcare, electrical, construction, and automotive repair. Demand continues to rise as employers struggle to fill positions across the technical, healthcare, and manufacturing industries.

Well-trained, experienced employees in such industries are critical for the country’s economic growth. Vocational programs are the best way to introduce them to the workforce.

11. Strong Employment Qualifications / Attractive to Employers

Part of the reason trade schools are becoming so popular is because more employers are looking on them favorably. Because of the practical, hands-on training you get at a vocational training school, employers know you’re more prepared to do the job than many candidates with four-year degrees.

As a result, your chance of getting a relevant job with your certification after trade school is very strong and you’re likely to see the financial benefits sooner. Vocational schools also focus more directly on preparing you for your industry’s certifications like CompTIA or Cisco certifications which are often required by employers.

Thus, employers can be confident in their new employees’ technical and soft skills when hiring vocational graduates, simplifying the onboarding and training process. Often, graduates will have already obtained professional licenses and certificates.

12. Easier Path to Successful Careers

One of the most common myths is that traditional universities allow you to achieve more profitable careers than trade schools. The fact is that both types of education open the door to a wide range of successful career options. The income level depends on your career path rather than your degree.

Take IT for example. The median salary for the IT field is  over $88,000 per year . That’s the case whether you have a four-year degree or a vocational school certification, so a vocational school is a more efficient way to get onto the same successful career path.

13. Faster Start to Your Career

The four-year period of traditional colleges is a significant amount of time. It’s a long time to either be out of the workforce by attending college full-time or to balance part-time college with a full-time job.

Vocational training schools, on the other hand, have more focused programs. The program length depends on the certification or degree you choose, but most trade school programs take less than two years to complete.

Depending on the program requirements and flexible scheduling options, some training programs can be completed in as few as six to nine months.

Students who fully complete their program and any required certifications reap the greatest benefits in employability and wages, both short and long term.

14. Funding Options

Vocational school is more affordable than earning a traditional four-year college degree. Tuition for vocational education programs is often less than that of universities, and since the time commitment is shorter, this can result in significant cost savings.

Vocational schools work with their students to offer financial aid and guidance. Available funding options include federal grants and loans, private grants and scholarships, low-interest cash payment plans, and paid internship opportunities.

As one of only a few approved MyCAA schools , ICOHS proudly provides military spouses with hands-on learning for exciting careers across the information technology and wellness fields.

Through government partnerships, various financial assistance programs are available specifically for U.S. military service members, spouses, and veterans. There are also special programs to support vocational training for individuals with disabilities.

15. Variety of Options

Trade schools, or career colleges, offer a wide variety of shorter programs for students looking for professional training in a certain field. For example, here at ICOHS College, we offer programs in Massage Therapy and Information Technology. Our students get training that is meaningful and practical. Trade schools are a great option if you don’t have the time or funds to attend a 4-year university.

16. More Start Date Options

Career colleges tend to have multiple start dates for their programs. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about missing an application deadline or having to wait an entire semester to enroll. ICOHS College has a new session beginning on March 16th.

Since trade schools don’t operate on the same semester schedule as traditional universities, it gives our students more freedom to start their journey towards success when they want to.

17. Easier Admission Requirements

Traditional universities can have very high standards for applicants due to the sheer amount of people that apply to them. They take your GPA and other extracurricular activities into account.

They also focus more on teens that are fresh out of high school or transfer students going to community college. Trade school requirements tend to be more relaxed, especially in certain fields.

18. Networking Opportunities

Instructors at trade schools tend to be working professionals in the industry you’re training for. Paired with the small class size, this makes it easier to build a network with those already in your desired field of work. Networking and making contacts can help you progress or move in your career after graduation.

Is Vocational Education Right for You?

If you need specialized training for your chosen career path, vocational education is an option worth exploring. Flexible scheduling and funding options make vocational school more affordable and manageable than ever.

Quality vocational programs assure accreditation and the long-term support needed for industry licensing and job placement. Experienced instructors will guide you in hands-on practice and on-the-job skills training. Upon graduation, you will be ready to enter the job market as an attractive, competent, and experienced employee with marketable skills in a growth industry.

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10 Benefits of Attending a Vocational School

Choosing a career early in life is imperative. However, the path towards achieving that career goal is not often straightforward. That dream to become an artist, accountant, medical assistant, computer technician, nurse, business analyst, or paralegal is available for those that attend a vocational school.

Before making that decision to go to college, evaluate the full impact of that decision. One must evaluate all the options and benefits first. The choice can be between choosing vocational school, trade school or a traditional 4-year college. A vocational or trade school offers hands-on skills applicable in a work situation while a traditional 4-year college offers relevant knowledge mixed with elective courses. Vocational schools prepare their students for a specific trade, making them better prepared for the workforce.

Benefit #1: Vocational Schools Have Higher Employment Rate

Vocational and trade schools prepare a person for the job market. This means graduates are prepared to accept a job immediately after graduation. Most vocational schools also work with employers in the industry to give students an education within their technical field. When the graduate is ready to transition to the job, vocational school graduates have seamless transitions. This is thanks to a vocational school’s training approach. Since the vocational school trains with real-life examples and equipment, the graduate can benefit.

Traditional 4-year colleges depend on theoretical frameworks. Vocational and trade schools rely on specific industry situations, better equipping the workforce with technical job skills.

Benefit #2: The Student Transitions to Their Career Choice Directly

A traditional 4-year college degree equips the student with general skills. There is little guidance on the career path with limited interaction by career services. While this is ok for some, it does not translate to a specific job title or career path.

Students go to vocational or trade schools because they have decided what they want to do in life. After one to two years of vocational education, the student has a definite career path. Students come out of vocational school and join a specific trade. The graduate will benefit by not waste time thinking what to do after college. This is common among traditional 4-year college graduates. Many vocational school graduates go through externship programs for them to benefit from industry experience.

Benefit #3: Relevant Skills in Less Time

Vocational and trade schools offer benefits to high school students and adults switching jobs. Most vocational programs take less than two years to complete. Once completed, the classes give graduates enough skills for an entry-level position in their given trade. A graduate can start earning right away. If they have a student loan, they can start repayments as soon as possible.

Benefit #4: The Chances of Graduating Are High

Did you know that 40 percent of students who enroll in traditional 4-year colleges do not graduate within the 4-year duration? This is reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. On the other hand, approximately 2 percent of vocational or trade school students fail to graduate within the course duration. The chances of graduating and joining the workforce are better when a student graduates from a vocational school. The vocational programs are short, which encourages maximum concentration and performance. Students who attempt college education and don’t graduate are not ready for the job market. They may also have to service their student loans.

Benefit #5: The Future for Trades Is Bright

Research shows that some of the fastest growing career paths lie in the technical fields. Some of the trades with high job growths include medical assistants and massage therapists. Surprisingly, many people who go to traditional 4-year colleges can end up working in positions that don’t require a degree. Their salaries will reflect this.

Benefit #6: Smaller Classes

The average vocational or trade school classroom has less students than many traditional 4-year colleges. This means teachers can offer thorough training with supervised hands-on experience. Small classes mean the creation of strong relationships with fellow students. Students will make bonds that last a lifetime. This will also help vocational graduates network when it is time to find a job.

Benefit #7: Flexible Schedules

Many vocational or trade schools offer day and evening classes for those that have obligations during the day. Do you have a day job or care for a family member? The flexible schedule of a vocational school may benefit you.

Benefit #8: Hands-on Training

Students experience lab work and externships. Many vocational or trade schools offer hands-on training that prepares students for real world situations. With hands-on training, the student is one step ahead in landing the entry-level a vocational career.

Benefit #9: Career Services

The goal of Career Services is to assist all graduates to get in-field or related-field employment. Career Services is available to assist vocational students throughout their technical training programs and continues to offer assistance beyond graduation. It should be understood the career services offered are not a guarantee of employment.

In order to facilitate employment efforts, a vocational school’s career services team works closely with the employment community that may offer in-field or related-field employment opportunities to qualified graduates. This is accomplished by maintaining active involvement in the community, holding on-campus career fairs, scheduling on-campus graduate interviews, hosting guest lectures, scheduling opportunities for vocational students and graduates to interact with potential employers, and conducting routine visits to new and established employment partners.

Benefit #10: Financial Aid

Vocational and trade schools are accredited and participate in various federal student aid programs.  During the admissions interview, a student’s admissions representative will arrange for them to meet with an associate from the vocational school’s financial aid office.  This associate will explain the various types of federal aid for which the student may qualify.  The difference between college grant and loan programs will be explained so they can make a final decision regarding the creation of a financial aid package that best meets their needs. The associate will prepare an estimated award letter to help explain how the student’s financial aid package will help cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees.  Financial aid is available to those who qualify.

Did learning about the benefits of attending a vocational or trade school interest you? If you are ready to find the right vocational college, learn more about Gwinnett Colleges & Institute . Choose from one of our vocational college diploma or associate degree programs and take the next step towards your future career. The Gwinnett Colleges & Institute programs are offered in the day and evening making it easier for you to schedule the technical training you need to meet your vocational career goals.

The benefits of choosing a vocational education in 2021

When it comes to choosing between vocational education and the regular college route, it is a decision that will shape an individual’s entire career. The current economic climate is highly competitive with the number of degree-holders worldwide set to reach 300 million by 2030. These numbers have encouraged some to begin weighing their options in an attempt to stand out.

Considering the time commitment and cost, more and more individuals are contemplating foregoing college and taking the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) route. This option is especially great for those interested in a specific field of work and for those who are looking to gain hands-on training through a specialised programme.

Many skilled trades are projected to disappear amidst the rise of automation, however, many other trades and occupations will stay in-demand. Despite rapid changes, the world will always need professionals that take on the roles of air traffic controllers, construction managers, dental hygienists, logistics managers, web developers – most of which acquire their education in trade school.

With job creation acknowledged as a global need by international entities like UNESCO , which estimates that at least 475 million new jobs need to be created over the next decade to absorb the 73 million currently unemployed youth population, as well as the influx of 40 million new entrants to the labour market per year. Vocational programmes provide a solution, assuming they are directly linked to market needs.

Pupils wearing face masks attend a metal workshop at the Hans-Sachs vocational college (Hans-Sachs-Berufskolleg) in Oberhausen, western Germany. Source: Ina Fassbender/AFP

These programmes are offered by institutions that were designed to give students the training and experience they will need to apply to their chosen professions once they graduate. These teachings are often delivered through a combination of classroom lectures and hands-on training in a lab environment. Most schools also offer online training services, which makes it more accessible to those who require the option of flexibility.

Why else should you choose a vocational education in 2021? Here are the key benefits:

Cost-efficiency of vocational education

TVET institutions are known to be less expensive than attending a college or university. A four-year college degree can come up to US$127,000 on average, while trade school programmes cost around US$33,000. Since vocational training programmes can be completed in two years or less, the total cost is drastically reduced.

Specialised programmes

Trade school programmes are unique. Most four-year institutions do not have career-based programmes that focus solely on practical skills. Programme options include auto-repair, carpentry, cosmetology, welding, catering and culinary arts, paralegal studies, and more.

Practical experience

One of the advantages of vocational training is that instructors are often industry professionals. The opportunity to learn from an experienced professional in the field gives deep insight on what it takes to be successful on the job. Most programmes include externships that allow learners to work in the industry for credit. This practical experience often leads to an apprenticeship or even a job offer.

Flexible schedules

TVET programmes are typically designed to help nontraditional students who wish to go to school while juggling other responsibilities. Options such as evening, weekend, and online learning make this perk beneficial for those who are trying to develop new career expertise while working full-time.

Hands-on environment 

Classes are usually smaller with teachers providing hands-on instructions thoroughly in a smaller environment. Practical skills often come with individualised attention from professors, and a better opportunity to learn from and get to know your peers.

Join the workforce quickly

Another advantage to a vocational education is that students can complete their training in a short period of time. Programme durations vary, but most can be completed in two years or less. For example, emergency medical technicians are ready to begin their careers after just one semester.

Well-paying career opportunities

Most TVET schools publish available job placements to inform prospective students about the likelihood of employment upon graduation. Vocational job placement for graduates is generally high, however, it varies by job type. Some specialisations even have the potential to crack the six-figure mark with the right amount of experience.

A sample list of trade jobs and their median annual salaries:

• Air traffic controller: US$122,990
• Construction manager: US$95,260
• Dental hygienist: US$76,200
• Electrician: US$56,180
• Licensed practical nurse: US$47,480

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Essay on Importance of Vocational Education (1456 Words)

February 19, 2018 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

What do you mean by Vocational Education?

Vocational Education has become very popular today. This form of education helps the students to get many qualifications for a particular profession.

The students are taught how to use their skills for practical application and only theory is not important to gain knowledge and progress in life.

By studying this, the students learn about various applications which helps them to go further in a profession or involve themselves in any art or activity on their own.

They are not dependent on anyone. This happens if they get the right type of vocational education or training.

Vocational education focuses on both abstract knowledge and professional skills for many jobs. As the field of vocational education is very broad, the students get many options to choose.

No matter which of the option or field they choose, there are proper training and education for all of the fields. There are many colleges that offer different courses on vocational education.

The teachers or professors who teach or give vocational education use many modern tools and lesson plans to teach the students.

From the starting of the course itself, they teach the students that whatever they study in the form of theory, they should learn to put them into practical use as well. This is because this practical use will help them in the future.

Importance of Vocational Education            

Vocational Education is beneficial not only for the students but for the adults as well. It is because of vocational education that people become more specialized.

This later helps people to choose the specific field they want to work later on. By this it becomes easier for the people to choose in which particular field they want to work.

If they know which field they want, they will help that field to progress and even they will be able to progress in their life.

Vocational education is important because it helps the people to recognize the skills and improve whatever skills are present in them.

In today’s world, almost every job or organizational wants people to work for them who have proper skills that will benefit their company and organization.

When a student receives vocational education in college or any other educational institution, they are not getting prepared just to study and pass the college. But they are also being prepared to get a job in the future.

Vocational educational gives people a new learning experience and even their performance is increased.

This shows that vocational education does not benefit just in the academics but beyond that too as well for practical applications. Very often people get confused what course they must choose.

But the existence of vocational education clears out all their confusion. Thus, the students get clear idea about the field they want to study and work in the future.

By vocational educational people learn to work themselves by using their skills for the benefits of others and for themselves as well.

They do not become dependent on machines or someone else because it is their skills which are helping them to work.

Parents must understand the importance of vocational education and help their children to improve their skills.

If they ask them to choose the field they want, the children will never be able to progress in the life. In order to progress in life, the children must go in that field where they can use their skills properly.

Personal experience on the concept of Vocational Education

In the year 2017,  I completed my graduation, that is, the Bachelor’s Degree in a vocational course.

My college has all the UGC (University Grants Commission) vocational courses that includes Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.), Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com.) and Bachelor of Commerce- Tourism and Management (B.Com. TM).

In the Arts stream there are six courses. But out of those six courses only two of them are vocational course. These two courses are HETT and CEOEP.

In HETT the subjects included are History, Economics and Travel and Tourism. While the subjects included in CEOEP are Communicative English (Media), Optional English (Literature) and Psychology.

Other courses in the Arts stream that does not come under the Vocational course are PENGS (Psychology, Optional English and Sociology), HENGS (History, Optional English and Sociology), PECOS (Psychology, Economics and Sociology) and HECOS (History, Economics and Sociology).

Apart from this triple subjects with the degree the students are also supposed to study some additional subjects and some compulsory one s as well. Making a total of them, the total subjects students study is either six or seven.

The number of subjects which the students study are not fixed some of the combinations or the course either have extra subjects or one subject is divided into two.

In the year 2014, two new vocational courses were added in the college. This new course was B.Voc.

One is for the commerce people so their course is known as B.Voc Banking and Finance.

There is another one for the Arts stream. This one is called B. Voc Visual Communication and Performing Arts with Psychology.

Along with all these subjects, the administration and staff of the college also encourage the students to involve themselves in non-academic activities as well.

This will make them an all rounder student because just academics is not important for one to progress in life. It is important to balance between both academic and non academic activities.

The vocational course I chose was CEOEP which was about Media, Literature and Psychology.

Literature was mostly about books, stories, novels, poems and plays. But the concept and content which was taught to us in the three years was very good.

There were some of the works of different writers, novelists and poets which if we read and try to understand them, we will be able to connect with that in our life and see that practically in reality as well.

Many times we see that some of the stories, novels and poem are sort of similar to our life and environment. So, in that way literature helps us to connect with our life.

Vocational education or training is mostly about making use of the skills for practical applications and are specifically for particular business, occupation or trade.

The meaning of vocation has undergone many changes. So considering that, the subjects Psychology and Communicative English have really helped me to improve my skills for practical applications.

Compared to Communicative English, Psychology has not made such a major impact but from one point of view it really has helped me for the development skills for different practical applications and occupations.

Moving on to the subject of Communicative English, from the first semester till the sixth semester, in every semester I learnt something new.

Today, due to a new learning every semester, I know many new things which I otherwise would not learnt so many things. In the first semester we were taught about art, different types of art and how to analyze any type of art.

By studying this, today whatever I see or observe I look them as an art and analyse them. In the second semester we studied about blog writing and media laws.

Today there are many bloggers who are earning a lot and becoming famous. In the third semester we had radio and creative writing.

Both of them are helpful because writing skills have improved and now it is easier to put down any creative work, be it a story, novel or a poem.

Everything has become easier when it comes to bring out creativity. After that studying radio jockey has also helped us because we can do any work in the radio stations.

In the fourth semester, we were taught photography and public relations. One knows the importance of photography in the modern world at the present day. While public relations helps to solve various crisis and agendas.

In the fifth semester the syllabus included film making and research paper. Film making was taught from the basics to the end.

So today one can alone make their own films by taking small help from others. Not only this, the software used in this is very helpful in today’s world.

While in the research paper we learnt the various problems which occur in the field of media. While in the 6 th semester the syllabus was about advertisement.

We were taught what advertisement is all about and how different companies do advertisement for their own work.

So, by this we learnt how to advertise anything given to us. All of these can be used to put practical applications.

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What is Vocational Education & What Its Benefits?

Vocational education.

Vocational Education , often referred to as career and technical education (CTE), is a form of education. That focuses on providing individuals with the practical skills, knowledge, and training necessary to prepare them for specific careers or trades.

It is designed to equip students with the skills and competencies needed to enter the workforce directly in a particular field or industry. Vocational ed programs are typically more hands-on and skill-oriented compared to traditional academic programs.

Here are some key aspects and benefits of vocational education:

• Practical Skills: Vocational education programs emphasize hands-on learning. Allowing students to develop practical skills and knowledge relevant to their chosen field. This can include trades such as plumbing, electrical work, automotive repair, culinary arts, nursing, and many others.
• Shorter Duration: Vocational programs are often shorter in duration compared to traditional four-year degree programs. This means students can enter the workforce more quickly and start earning a living sooner.
• Career Readiness: Vocational ed is specifically designed to make students job-ready. Graduates are equipped with the skills and qualifications needed to enter their chosen career field immediately. Reducing the gap between education and employment.
• High Demand: Many vocational fields are in high demand, which can lead to better job prospects and potentially higher wages. Industries like healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades often have a shortage of qualified workers.
• Cost-Effective: Vocational education programs are generally more cost-effective than traditional college or university degrees. They often have lower tuition fees and shorter durations, which can result in lower student debt.

More Benefits…

• Diverse Career Options: Vocational education offers a wide range of career options. Students can choose from various programs in different areas. Such as healthcare, manufacturing, construction, hospitality, and more. Allowing them to find a path that aligns with their interests and strengths.
• Flexibility: Vocational programs often offer flexible scheduling options. Including evening and weekend classes, making it easier for individuals to pursue education. While working or managing other responsibilities.
• Adaptability: Vocational education programs can adapt to changing industry demands more quickly. Than traditional academic programs, ensuring that students learn the most up-to-date skills and knowledge.
• Personal Fulfillment: For many individuals, vocational ed can provide a sense of personal fulfillment and satisfaction, as they develop expertise in a field they are passionate about and contribute to their communities through their work.
• Lifelong Learning: Vocational education is not limited to entry-level positions. Many vocational programs offer opportunities for advancement and specialization, allowing individuals to continue learning and growing in their careers.

Final Words

Overall, vocational education plays a crucial role in addressing workforce needs. Providing individuals with the skills they need to secure stable employment, and contributing to economic growth and development. It offers a valuable alternative to traditional higher education pathways. And can be an excellent choice for those looking to pursue specific careers or trades.

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