Why students should be encouraged to study vocational courses

Employers today are interested in taking on vocational school graduates because they have demonstrated an initiative to get the training they need.

Companies are no longer looking for graduates who need guidance and direction on how to perfect at work. A reason why students should be encouraged to take on vocational courses instead of studying theoretical courses offered by many universities today in Uganda.

Vocational education is training for a specific career or trade, excluding the professions. It focuses on practical applications of skills learned, and is generally unconcerned with theory or traditional academic skills.

Understand the tremendous benefits of what vocational education can do for you, understand the myths about it from the past years, and then set a course to move forward.

Some people say if you join a vocational school, it means you failed to get enough points to qualify you to join campus\university but let me dispel this myth.

The term ‘vocational’ actually means ‘work-related’. So if you are doing a vocational qualification it means you are learning skills that will help you to get and do a job. That is it.

Vocational education is not an ‘easier’ alternative to taking A-levels, it is something that provides students with practical skills and the knowledge people need.

Bear in mind that with a vocational qualification, you’re more likely to start working sooner, giving you the experience you need to back up what you are learning and you get to earn money earlier than a degree graduate.

Depending on a student’s abilities and interests, a vocational course can provide several advantages. It thus provides a linkage between education and the working world.

Students studying vocational courses typically receive more hands-on, career-minded education than students at universities. Students are given the opportunity to explore and identify potential career goals.

Most vocational education recognizes the importance of general academic studies as well as career preparation, and offer fully accredited high school diplomas.

Many vocational schools provide students with career preparation in health care, computer science, education, business, and any number of highly specialized trades. Individuals have the opportunity to gain the knowledge and experience necessary to become carpenters, electricians, machinists, painters, plumbers, or other professionals.