About Vocational Schools
Because not all students are suited for liberal arts colleges, vocational schools are often an excellent option for career training. Vocational schools, also known as trade schools, prepare students for skilled, semi-skilled, technical and professional careers. Unlike liberal arts colleges which cover a broad educational spectrum of studies, vocational schools focus on particular trades. It's important to select not only the right school, but also the right field. Besides matching your interests and skills, consider which careers are growing faster than others and are in more demand such as nursing, legal assistants, veterinary technicians and dental assistants.
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Types
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Vocational schools can either be secondary schools for teenagers or for continuing education. While most vocational schools provide only on-site training, others offer distance-learning, as well. Distance-learning may be in the form of correspondence programs or online instruction. However, this type of education may not be practical for training in some careers, such as culinary arts, requiring hands-on experience.
Fields of Study
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Various types of vocational schools offer different fields of study. For example vocational schools specializing in health care may include training in fields such as dentistry, massage therapy, holistic health, nutrition, pharmacy, optometry, medical specialty, medical administration, optometry and medical specialties. Creative fields encompass fashion, architecture, cosmetology, commercial art and interior design. Some vocational schools specialize in culinary arts and restaurant management. Other studies offered by vocational school include aviation, criminal justice, trucking, electronics, construction, gemology, office jobs and computer maintenance repair.
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Considerations and Tips
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Before deciding on a vocational school first determine if you need the training for the job you want. It could be you could receive on-the-job training rather than having to invest money in a vocational school. Investigate a school's facilities, checking out computers, equipment and tools that are used. Visit the school and sit in on a classroom. Also, get references from recent graduates.
Misconceptions
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Too often parents consider secondary vocational schools as a college prep school. However, vocational schools prepare students for careers rather than college. Although most colleges do accept students from vocational schools, the students are limited in that they're missing some college prep courses offered by most schools.
Warning
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Although many private vocational schools teach the necessary skills for getting a job, others may not be as reputable. Tragically, some vocational schools mislead people, promising more than they're able to deliver. Be sure a vocational school is accredited and not just certified for operating in a particular state. Be cautious of any schools where instructors offer to "review" test answers prior to a test.
History
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The concept of vocational schools began in the mid-1600s with the creation of The Old Deluder Satan Act of Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1647 which showed the need for teaching vocational skills. Vocational schools grew at the turn of the 20th century as Americans moved toward industrialization and with The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) promoting trade education in schools. Federal support for vocational education began with the passage of Smith-Hughes Act. Vocational education was well established by the 1960s with the 1963 Vocational Education Act which established occupational programs in high schools, improving the vocational programs for disabled and disadvantaged students. Schools of the 21st century focus on an organized curriculum for students to develop both academic and vocational skills for preparation in the job market.
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