The Role of Vocational Education in Preparing Students for the Workforce

Whether it’s working on an airplane, repairing an automobile or installing a ceiling fan, businesses need qualified workers to fill a variety of positions. In many cases, students who graduate from a vocational program will have all the credentials and training needed to jump straight into their new job. This saves time and money for both the employee and the business, making it a win-win situation right here.

Unlike academic programs, which focus on teaching broad knowledge and skills that can be used in a number of occupations, vocational education prepares students to enter paid work in specific jobs, usually with an apprenticeship or internship as part of their coursework. Vocational schools are also known as trade schools, career colleges or technical schools.

A growing body of research shows that students who complete vocational education perform better in a number of areas, including on-the-job performance and income levels. In addition, students who attend a quality vocational school will often get significant hands-on experience in learning labs and through externships with local companies and businesses.

While high school students participate in vocational courses at a variety of institutions, enrollment varies by institution type and student demographic characteristics. For example, sex and race-ethnicity affect course-taking patterns. Students who are sex-identified as female or black were more likely to take vocational or occupationally specific courses. On the other hand, Native American and Asian students appeared to take less of these types of classes. This may have to do with the fact that students in these groups are more likely to be academically disadvantaged.