Introductions
One of the most hard-pressed debates among the youth of today is whether a vocational school is better than a traditional college. As Matthew Davies discusses the pros and cons of both sides of the coin, let us first understand the basic difference between a vocational and traditional college.
Also known as a trade school, vocational college can be considered a substitute for the traditional college where the curriculum is based on a specific course rather than the general course. This also reduces the period of study to obtain a degree when compared to a normal college. Now, let us compare the two options below:
The Debate
- Duration of the course – A Bachelor’s Degree from a normal college takes four years of study, it implies that a student lands a decent job, not before the age of twenty-two. In a vocational school, skills related to a specific job are taught to students and they complete their course in two years, allowing them an additional two years to work and earn. By the time a normal college student graduates, a vocational student has already mastered their field and stands a better chance to excel.
- Curriculum – Trade schools have a streamlined approach to education with its curriculum focusing on specific skills to be acquired for a particular career that a student wants to choose. The training imparted usually follows a hands-on approach, making it an ideal platform for early learners. In traditional college, one has to take up other courses apart from pursuing the major in order to obtain the credits.
Though it might give knowledge in various areas, a student may lose focus on the major as they have to do well in all the courses in order to obtain a decent certification. Vocational schools lead to skilled jobs as electricians, nuclear technicians, mechanics, etc. with a great scope of growth in each field.
- Fees Factor – There is a major difference in the fees of courses pursued from both types of colleges. As a vocational college deals with only specialized teachers and skill, the entire course fees is almost half when compared to the traditional college where you need to study a variety of subjects. Owing to the high fees of the normal colleges, students end up taking student loans.
Even though parents pay a part of the loan, most students end up doing part-time jobs after college to earn some extra money to ease off the loan. This deviates their mind and prevents them from focusing on their education. They don’t even have extra time and money to pursue any other course other than graduation.
- Job Security – The main purpose of pursuing an education is to get a job and earn a decent income for living a good life. The rate of getting a job is higher in vocational schools compared to the colleges as the students as well as the employers know the skill required for a particular job beforehand. You also earn much more in later life when you complete a full graduation course. The opportunities before you are quite vast when compared to vocational schools and you have many options to choose from.
Conclusion
After comparing both types of school, Matthew Davies feels that vocational schools are more preferred as they are less expensive and suited to the learning style and skill set of most of the students.
