Why Vocational Education is the next big thing?

Across the globe, Vocational Education and Training (VET) is gaining immense importance. But why is Vocational Education the next big thing?

Due to the increased use of technology, changing nature of work, the growing importance of emerging technologies, and more, VET ensures that students are ready to face any challenges in the future.

Vocational Education helps students learn the right skills and gain work exposure and smoothly transition from education and training to employment without any hiccups.

Impact of COVID-19 on learning

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we learn. It has given a huge push to digital learning and it is here to stay. Training institutes will continue skill development programmes through blended learning models.

Today, not just in schools and colleges, but skill development courses are also being offered through online platforms. To get an idea of practicals, students are asked to watch some videos, listen to some podcasts, do assignments, and so on.

The way skill development courses are being offered now is very different from what it was previously. Vocational Education and skill development have assumed a lot of importance, thanks to the push by the pandemic.

Why Vocational Education is the next big thing?

In the current times, getting trained vocationally has become very significant. If a person has decided to join a practical and skill-oriented course, he/she is already at an advantage compared to others who have not.

They are at an advantage because they might have already decided which career to take up and must have explored placement and job opportunities.

In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are losing their jobs and income. With advancements in technology and changing work environment, new jobs are expected to take over some of the currently existing job roles. But if you have the right skills and have a skill-based certificate from a good training institute, you are at an advantage.

When we talk about skill-based training or Vocational Education, there are many long-term and short-term courses. These are offered in a variety of subjects like welding, plumbing, fashion designing, and many more.  Skill-based training is also offered in the latest technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics, etc.

Apart from these, one can also choose to pursue Vocational Education from a spectrum of degree programmes such as Bachelor of Vocation (B.Voc.), BBA, and B.Sc. Students can also take up an apprenticeship, where they get to learn hands-on skills and earn while they learn. There is no dearth of such opportunities in Vocational Education.

You can watch the video in Hindi here – 

Vocational Education at the school level

The GOI (Government of India) is offering vocational courses at the school level to create awareness among young minds. At present, CBSE schools are offering vocational courses to the students of class 11^th and 12^th. The courses are spread across fields like Fashion Designing, Culinary Arts, Agriculture, Banking, etc.

Some students might have to take up a job soon after their 12^th class. In such cases, pursuing vocational courses can land them a good job as soon as they complete their class 12. They can also choose to parallelly pursue degree programmes.

Also read: 10 points to consider: Vocational education and skills in National Education Policy 2020 – https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/10-points-to-consider-vocational-education-and-skills-in-national-education-policy-2020/

Reskilling, Upskilling, and Continuous Learning

Many industries got affected due to COVID-19. Many people lost their jobs as many industries laid off their employees due to ongoing crisis.

In such fragile times, the only way to stay relevant is through reskilling, upskilling, and continuous learning. Having only a degree certification will not guarantee a job anymore. This is where having skill-based training and certificate will be an added advantage.

Vocational Education and Entrepreneurship

Across the country today, there are fewer jobs and many job seekers. Therefore, practically not everyone can get a job. Entrepreneurship is another opportunity that comes with Vocational Education and Training.

With the right training and skills, one can set up their own company and not only be able to sustain themselves but also create jobs for others. Job creation is very crucial for a developing country like ours and is much needed in the current times.  

Therefore, prioritizing Vocational Education, skill-based training and blended learning is crucial to avoid any future disruptions in the way students learn. This will keep the students at an advantage to face any future challenges.