What Is Vocational Education?
Theoretical knowledge is not everything in today’s world,
rather skills are becoming more valuable. This term skill is what is talked
about these days, but how to acquire them?
While traditional colleges/universities provide students
with theoretical knowledge which can be applied to certain fields, vocational
education provides the students with hands-on training. Vocational education is
a great opportunity for students who are looking to acquire specific skills to
get a job that better aligns with their career goals and dreams, as they learn
the fundamentals of a specific occupation under the supervision of an
experienced professional.
Skills offered by vocational training courses
Vocational training focuses on developing technical
skills which make you instantly job-ready for example electrician, artisan,
emergency medical technician, plumber, woodworking and carpentry, automobile
technician, welding training, etc.
Differences between vocational education and university
education
The differences between traditional education and
vocational education are:-
Program
focus
Programs offering vocational education focus on teaching
the students specific skills which can directly be applied to a specific job.
These programs offer technical skills for a job like plumbers, electricians,
etc. on the other hand university education programs are focused on providing
theoretical knowledge to the students and focus less on applicable skills.
These students gain more academic knowledge compared to a vocational education
program.
Time to complete
As vocational courses focus less on theoretical-based
learning, the students gain the desired amount of qualifications in a much
shorter period. On the other hand, traditional university students usually need
to spend around two to four years completing their education before they are
qualified enough to apply for a job
Costs
Because vocational courses can be completed in a much
shorter duration they are more cost-effective when compared to traditional
education programs. These courses are the perfect opportunity for people with a
limited budget. Universities on the other hand can be a lot more expensive as
they have a longer duration and the universities with better education and
access to competent job opportunities usually charge more.
Types of job opportunities
Vocational education programs prepare their students for
blue-collar and physical labor jobs. Gaining expertise in the respective field
will enable you to move up to a better role like a supervisor or a manager.
Contemporary university programs prepare their students for white-collar and
desk jobs, which do not require physical labor rather, they involve more mental
work and internet-based technologies.
Different types of vocational education
There are a lot of different sources which provide
vocational training programmes, some of these are-
High school CTE programs
The CTE program is for high school students who want to
gain work experience in different professions and go on to college. This type
of vocational training is usually part of the high school curriculum, but
students can also attend separate vocational centers. These career training
programs allow students to explore different career options and prepare them
for industry or graduate school-specific work. In most vocational training
programs at this level, students continue their intermediate education while
completing their training.
Tech Prep education
Tech Prep programs serve as a bridge between general and
post-secondary vocational training to prepare students to pursue careers in the
high-tech sector. Thanks to a partnership between the two institutions, Tech
Prep programs combine at least two years of high school and two years of
post-secondary. The program usually culminates in a certificate or associate's
degree in a particular field of study.
Apprenticeship
programs
Apprenticeship programs are specific to the trade and can
last up to four or five years. In these types of programs, apprentices or
students work under the supervision of an expert in their trade and get paid
for their work. This type of vocational training is most common in highly
skilled and practical occupations. Apprenticeships often combine on-the-job
training with classroom instruction. Since some apprenticeships include
classroom courses, they can lead to a certificate or diploma. A major advantage
of this type of training is that it is an educational program in which the
student also receives remuneration for his or her work.
Distance
learning programs
Another great option to learn or develop a skill set is
to enroll in a distance learning program. Many distance learning courses allow
students to work on materials and lesson plans at their own pace, making it
perfect for working professionals. However, some programs may require students
to log in at specific times or according to the class schedule. Before
enrolling in a distance learning program, be sure to thoroughly research the
training institution, making sure it is legitimate and accredited.
jobs you can get with a vocational education
Here are four examples of jobs you can pursue with this
type of education:
1. Auto mechanic:
Automotive Mechanic service and repair vehicles with
minor problems or complex mechanical problems. They help customers determine
the cause of a problem, such as a leaking gas tank or a blown headlight. In
addition to performing repairs, they may also recommend additional repairs to
the customer to improve vehicle performance.
2. Electrician Primary:
Electricians use specialized equipment to repair
and maintain electrical equipment in many buildings, such as corporate offices
and homes. They also work on power lines and other electrical systems to ensure
they function as expected. Electricians must follow strict safety procedures to
avoid injury to themselves, colleagues, or civilians.
3. First aid instructor:
First Aid Instructor educates teenagers and adults
on how to give someone emergency first aid in a critical situation. Students
can also learn how to respond appropriately to emergencies and heal superficial
injuries.
4. Web Designer:
Web designers use their creativity and software expertise
to design and create websites that meet the needs of their clients. They
develop the overall look and feel of the website and how it works. A good
website should be easy for customers to navigate.
