To stand out in a competitive job market, you need the right combination of education, skills and experience. The rate of emerging graduates is increasing daily, which means that a large number of applicants scramble for limited job openings. So how can you “hack” the system and accelerate your career development? Our answer: Vocational Courses. Vocational courses,, are generally programs that are specific to a trade or a career/occupation, which are designed to focus on the nurturing of practical skills rather than theoretical knowledge. The literal meaning of vocational is- relating to an occupation.
In the past, vocational diploma courses were presented as an option to supplement the academic background of a student.. But with the growing need for qualified people to perform specific tasks in the past decade, vocational training is actually in high demand.
Importance of Vocational Training for Your Career Development
Vocational courses help to bridge the gap between education and work. Focusing on a specific trade gives students the opportunity to master employable skills by the time they graduate, which then accelerates their career development. When applying for jobs, students who have taken vocational courses stand out because they have a deeper understanding of the trade and therefore can quickly adapt to the work environment. For businesses that have a significant budget for training and onboarding new staff, a vocational training graduate is a breath of fresh air.
Since vocational training is learning by doing, students who take vocational courses spend most of the time practising tangible skills and acquiring the knowledge and competencies that they need to work proficiently in their chosen field of work. This means that work experience is incorporated in the course itself as opposed to pursuing it outside of school through internships and low-level jobs. Therefore, graduates hit the ground running when they get into the job market.
Other Advantages of Vocational Training
Developing a Strong Professional Network
The hands-on approach to learning gives the students an opportunity to engage one-on-one with their trainers, which helps them build relationships and often find professional mentors as they transition into the business world. Additionally, students spend less time doing individual research and more time working on projects with fellow students. With time, the students transform from just their classmates to potential partners when they graduate. Overall, this type of learning helps them build a strong professional network.
The Opportunity to Focus on One’s Passions
In vocational schools, less time is spent exploring theories, ideas and practices used by other professionals in an industry. Students devote their time and energy to what they are passionate about. They apply industry knowledge to what is relevant to them, which gives them a headstart in the industry as they graduate with the skills needed to specialize in a certain field.
Shorter Time Spent in School
Since the learning focuses on a specific industry/career field, students in vocational schools graduate faster. Most vocational courses can be completed in two years or less.
A low-priced Alternative
Vocational education is generally cheaper than traditional education because students complete their courses faster. Tuition and other fees do not run as high as in other types of schools.
Craydel has partnered with top vocational institutions in the country. Reach out for guidance on how you can apply today!
