What Is A Vocational School?

Earlier, vocational degrees were focused on carpentry, welding, and other skilled trades. But with the advent of cutting modern age technology, employees want to hire licensed and certified professionals with some kind of degree. Hence, the concept of vocational schools has emerged. Now campus-based and online vocational schools train students for careers in dozens of disciplines. 

A vocational degree costs less as opposed to an undergraduate degree and can save time. Depending on your needs and strengths, vocational courses or 2-year degree education can be a more practical option.

What is A Vocational School?

Vocational schools, also known as trade schools, technical schools, or career schools are career focussed schools and prepare students for different vocations. Vocational schools teach real, practical skills to people who are willing to work and don’t want to spend huge amounts of money and time to acquire a four-year degree. Vocational schools are for the people who understand work and are ready to get out there and do that to earn a living.

Vocational schools are generally for those who are interested in a non-traditional career path. 

Benefits of a vocational school

For those that do not want to or cannot afford to spend 4 years on undergraduate studies but want to get certified as a professional can opt for a vocational degree. There are several benefits of studying in a vocational school, some of which have been discussed below:

1. You know what you’d like to do

Most of the vocational programs skip general education courses altogether i.e., making for more efficient use of your money. Thus, a shorter program of study is a good option if you do not need any time to decide what you want to do. 

You can consider going on informational interviews if you are not sure what you want to study before you begin. Try to find professionals who have gone through the same program and are working in the field, and ask if you can talk with them over coffee or a meal or observe them for a day to get a sense for the type of work they do. 

It is very important for you to know the kind of work you are going into is right or wrong for you before you begin.

2. You need to get into a career fast

The amount of time it will take to finish your technical degree or certification totally depends on what you are studying. 

Your program of study at the vocational level can be as short as a few months or as long as a couple of years. Many students can not stall their income earning potential for the 4 or more years that a typical undergraduate education requires and that’s not an issue.

3. You want a hands-on education

However, some four-year programs stress you with internships and cooperative opportunities, technical or vocational certifications almost globally have a lab, clinic, or on-site experiential component. Which means that, for some certificates, you might spend more time in the field than you do in allied health, clinical is the best type of hands-on experience. 

Clinical components are an essential part of healthcare education. There are a number of vocational schools that might still provide or help you find internships, along with their hands-on training modules. 

There are various paid forms of internships mostly in the field of technology and industry. And there is another plus point also that internships always look good on resumes.

4. You want a Career in High Demand

The kinds of career options that vocational schools offer are usually centered around the demands of the economy. Vocational schools are able to make their programs to match the needs of the economy and what employers are looking for, and are more flexible than that of traditional colleges. 

One of the main functions of local businesses is to help develop local talent for the local and regional economy, so vocational schools connect with the local businesses. This helps the schools and the students to ensure that they are always staying in demand. 

Also, one of the main indicators of a school’s success is its rate of job placement after graduation, well, vocational schools typically do well in this regard also.

5. You need flexibility

The choice of flexibility for the most part always comes with vocational training programs than the undergraduate programs. The classes on the weekend, the night classes, and the online classes could make it easier for you to pursue your certifications. However, this also allows you to work another job. 

This is a great choice for students who are from a family that relies on financial support.

There really aren’t any disadvantages of vocational education but what limits that an individual sets upon himself regardless of any injuries suffered in the course of a vocational job. 

Limitations of Vocational School

• Generally, course work credits earned cannot be transferred to traditional four-year colleges and universities.

• Those with a four-year degree will have a competitive advantage in the job market.

• Jobs in the markets served by a vocational education may be lower-paying than those careers that require a four-year degree.

The choice of education is an individual one. The pros and cons depend on the interests and priorities of the individual. 

Best Suited Vocational Courses With High Paying Jobs 

• Web Developer (IT) – A web developer designs new Software, Video Games, Apps, or Portals.

• Foreign Language Expert – A foreign language expert communicates effectively with big foreign clients about the company's products and policies.

• Banking & Finance – They involve in wealth management or capital investment in a company.

• Beautician – Beauticians deals with professional hair styling and make-up.

• Electrical Technician – An electrical technician builds, maintains, and refurbishes electrical machinery or wiring.

• Marketing and Advertising – They are responsible to promote or sell a business product or service.

• Catering Management – A catering manager work as Kitchen Porter, Waiter, Food Processing Worker, Kitchen Assistant or Bartender

• Gym or Physical Education Instructor – They work as a trainer for physical and mental fitness.

• Disaster Manager – A disaster manager formulates plans for dealing with any emergency.

• Public Relations Officer – They work as a person who maintains company relations.

Concluding thought

Vocational or the trade schools train students for industry jobs that are fairly stable and difficult to export. If graduates decide to return to college later and pursue a full bachelor’s degree, they may be able to build on the credits they received in trade school.

A vocational degree is either career or trade-specific. It can be lucrative for students because it offers the benefits of less time and expense. Students seeking a vocational degree take about 2 years to complete the program and a vocational degree also allow the graduate to be hireable at an earlier time than a Bachelor's Degree-seeking student. Before plunging into a decision, make sure you do thorough and due research. Good luck!