Skills based & Vocational Education

In today’s knowledge based world, it is essential for your child to build up essential skills that would give the expertise to perform certain jobs. The purpose of skill based and vocational education is to help a person function with knowledge and proficiency in specific jobs. These can be in jobs as wide as computer programming, automotive mechanics, nursing, animation training and more. 

Your child could get skill based and vocational training at post-secondary schools, in the final year of high school. Technical and vocational courses are an integral part of Community Colleges.

Vocational training in career colleges’ offer:

1. A range of career options which fit into the new economy  right from entry-level positions to high professional levels
2. A vocational  curriculum  that has an academic thrust
3. Education that assimilates well into the current K-16 educational system
4. A holistic  teaching strategy that assimilates both theory and projects
To make the vocational education more meaningful apprenticeships, internships, and cooperative education programs have become a part of most programs. Students get actual industry exposure and the growing association between private and government bodies has made the course more professional.

Skill based and Vocational Education in High School:

These could include home economics, wood and metal shop, typing, business courses, drafting and auto repair. The “School to Work Program” is a federal and state initiative that links regular studies to work. Your child could spend a day on a job site, to gather experience, as a part of the program.

Skill based and Vocational Education in Community Colleges

Your child could acquire any of the three degrees offered by these colleges. These are:

1. Associate's degree -

Smaller job oriented courses that help your child earn a degree.   To be a part of this program a three-year college degree is essential.  After getting this degree, your child is eligible to earn a four-year bachelor's degree at a college.  Associate degree is available in courses like hotel and restaurant management, computers, accounting and other such professions. Your child can earn also this degree through distance learning programs.   These courses would offer job placement opportunities, adult continuing education, and developmental classes.  A number of community colleges help high school dropouts earn a high school diploma or a GED.

2. Certification in an area of training -

 These offer courses in nursing, computer repair, automotive mechanics, or any other course that requires your child to give a state or national examination.  The certification ensures a better salary and more job security. 

3. Services of local interest the community – These services include job placement and adult continuing education classes.
Skill based training and Vocational education programs help millions of Americans get well paying jobs or start their own businesses.