Gone are the days when a vocational school was only for low-performing students training for dirty work. Vocational training, also known as career education, is education that is used to prepare a person for a specific craft or trade. This has become an increasingly viable alternative to a four-year degree. Programs may offer a certification or a diploma and are available in a wide range of career paths including, but not limited, to:- Medical positions
– Cosmetology
– Culinary arts
– Auto repair
– Fitness instructionCareer education programs can be found in high schools, community colleges, and trade schools across the country.There are a number of reasons why vocational training has become more attractive to job-seekers in recent years, as well as why employers look for graduates of these programs to fill their open positions.
1) The Low CostStudent loans have been a growing problem in the U.S. for some time now. As tuition costs for traditional four-year degrees continue to rise, students take on more and more debt to try to keep up. Many of these borrowers struggle to find well-paying jobs after graduation and have trouble repaying their loans. According to the Federal Reserve, America’s student loan debt is somewhere around the trillion-dollar mark.A career education program is usually much less expensive than a four-year degree, so if any loans are needed at all, they will be manageable. Graduates are also likely to land a good job in their career field, giving them the resources to pay back their loans quickly.2) Job-Seeking AdvantageMany employers in various fields look for graduates from a vocational school because they know the students have been trained with a combination of hands-on experience and targeted classroom instruction. In fact, some schools may be affiliated with certain companies that hire within their own graduate pool. In addition, job-seeking skills may be included as part of the curriculum.3) Closing the Skills GapDespite today’s high unemployment rates, there are a high number of skilled positions that remain unfilled. This is what is known as a “skills gap.” Vocational training helps give job seekers the training and experience they need to fill these positions. Specific skills are focused on for these particular careers. This differs from a broader approach to education seen in traditional colleges. Training students for these jobs help close the skills gap.
4) Faster Entry into CareerMost vocational programs only take a year or two to finish. This helps those who complete the program to be ready for the workforce in less time than graduates from a traditional college. Also, once students graduate they do not require the same entry-level training that may be needed with a four-year degree.If you’re looking to start a job in a new career field, or if you want to further the skills you already have, consider applying to a career education program today. The possibilities for your future are endless!