Vocational education, also known as career and technical training or trade school, is becoming a more popular option for high school seniors and young adults.
For decades, guidance counselors, parents, and teachers told young people deciding on their post-high school education to pursue higher education, no matter the cost.
This well-intentioned advice has led to some dismal statistics. Forty percent of Americans with student loan debt from college could not complete their degree.
Thankfully, high schools are informing young people of other post-graduation options that do not include attending a four-year university. Vocational education programs offer just as many career paths and options, often without the high price tag of a college education.
The Versatility of Vocational Education
Vocational education is a specialized program that prepares students for entry-level roles. Unlike a four-year college program, vocational education curricula focus on the practical skills needed in the workplace.
While many vocational programs train students for technical and manual trades, young people can use their experience and certifications to enter a wide variety of fields, including industries like healthcare and computer science.
Vocational education opens doors. Here are several pathways that students can achieve through a trade school or technical education program.
Skilled Trades and Craftsmanship
The skilled trades include a range of industries, including construction, automotive repair, carpentry, and plumbing. Vocational programs offer students a combination of classroom-based and on-the-job learning opportunities.
After completing a short vocational program, skilled trade students can start a paid apprenticeship and work towards becoming experienced professionals. Within a few years, graduates of vocational skilled trades programs can start a business and earn a lucrative salary.
Employment opportunities in the skilled trades are also increasing as older skilled workers retire.
Healthcare and Allied Health Professions
Healthcare is also a growing field. As the population grows older and lives longer, the healthcare system will need more skilled workers to meet the increased demand for services.
While many healthcare career pathways require a college degree, vocational education can also help students break into the field. For example, entry-level positions such as dental assistant and pharmacy technician only require a certificate.
Vocational education programs can also lead to careers in non-medical roles, such as billing and coding specialists.
Students completing a healthcare vocational training program can find reliable employment with just certification. They can also increase their wages by earning any applicable licensing.
Technology and IT Fields
As more work tasks are handled by computers and wireless devices, there is a higher demand for professionals with IT and technology skills. Vocational training programs meet these needs by training students in the latest and most popular software and applications.
Computer technician programs give students the practical experience they need to work in IT support and network management roles. Cybersecurity is also a growing field that students can enter after completing a certificate program.
Entry-level IT roles can commend an average of $53,000 per year, but some early career professionals earn over $70,000.
Culinary Arts and Hospitality
Culinary and hospitality programs help students enter the world of fine dining and hotel management. Students learn essential cooking, baking, and organizational skills that can help them excel in the workplace.
After graduating from a vocational program, students can start back-of-house roles as executive chefs or restaurant managers. Entry-level roles pay between $40,000 and $55,000 per year.
Creative Arts and Design
Digital art and design are emerging pathways in vocational programs. Art degrees from traditional colleges offer a low return on investment. This means that the cost to earn the degree exceeds the expected annual salary.
Vocational programs provide a faster and more affordable route to an arts education. Furthermore, as vocational training courses are designed to align with employer needs, students are more likely to learn skills in software and mediums that are needed in the workforce. This increases graduates’ employability and lifetime earnings.
The average art degree costs more than $40,000 over the course of four years. Students in one- to two-year vocational training programs can save thousands in school fees while earning comparable salaries.
Conclusion
Vocational education programs can be the first step to a fulfilling and profitable career path. Although college degree holders earn more over a lifetime than individuals with certificates, many also leave school with very high debt levels.
Also, college graduates without practical experience can have more difficulty finding a job in their field. These setbacks can reduce the return on investment in a college degree.
Not only do vocational training programs provide a pathway to a multitude of career options, but they also enable young people to gain experience in the field that can help them climb the career ladder.
Students already working in their industry can get their education partially or fully funded by their employer. In this way, students can achieve the same career outcomes as those offered by a four-year degree without the additional cost or time out of the workforce.