Vocational Training for Teenagers

Vocational training is used to prepare for a certain trade or craft. In times past, it was limited to such fields are welding and automotive service, but today it can range from hand trades to retail to tourism management. Vocational training is education in the type of trade a person wants to pursue or skill a person desires to acquire. Vocational training programs prepare participants for specific careers. Some high schools encourage/provide vocational training which could be stand-alone courses, certificate/diploma-granting programs, associate's degree programs and apprenticeships.

Vocational training focuses on practical applications of the skills learned. A large part of the education is hands-on training. Vocational training thus provides a link between education and the working world. Teenagers who participate in vocational training programmes graduate prepared to take a high-paying, skilled job immediately. They have an advantage over purely academically trained job-seekers because they have the skills needed to successfully perform a specific, skilled occupation in addition to their academic qualification.

Vocational development programs are an additional way to keep teenagers busy during the holidays. They get to learn about the following;

• Business
• Health services
• Art, craft and design
• Music
• Agriculture
• Food, hospitality & tourism
• Sports & games
• Information technology, etc

Here are some reasons why vocational training is very good for teenagers, especially during the holidays (with excerpts from www.quora.com):

1. Learning style:

There are students who can simply read and understand a concept. Then there are students who want to analyze or research, maybe dig a bit deeper to get clarity in a subject. Vocational training gives them the liberty to learn at their own pace. The point is that every student has a different learning style. Unfortunately, most schools fail to see this and hence, each student is judged on the basis of their exam marks. The holiday therefore, provides the opportunity for teenagers to take up a vocational course which learning style will be beneficial to them.

2. Job readiness:

Vocational training enables participants to adapt to the corporate world at a much faster rate. Whether the training is in IT or a foreign language, it certainly gives their confidence level a big boost. They feel “ready” and would not hesitate to take an initiative at the workplace.

3. Communication skills:

Vocational training will improve their social profile, not because of the content they get exposed to but because of the people they train with. Teenagers will find that they can come out of their shell and can communicate better with people than before. For instance, if they are learning a foreign language, the institute will ask them to speak in that language with everyone. In the process, they will also make new friends and learn under new teachers. It will also help their growth as individuals.

4. Breaks monotony:

Vocational courses break the monotony of studying regularly and taking exams which is what the academic environment offers. But one of the best ways that teenagers can maintain a healthy study habit is to ‘avoid’ having a monotonous routine. That is why taking up vocational courses especially during the holidays in order to get some exposure and to improve their resume is necessary.

Conclusion:

The millennials and the zillennials are growing into an economic environment where jobs are not so varied and available but with vast opportunities in entrepreneurship. Vocational training will empower them to perform successfully in founding and/or owning businesses and contribute profitably to local and global economies. Let's encourage them!!!