Some people argue that governments should allocate more money for vocational training rather than higher education. I partly agree with this idea because although vocational courses are beneficial, governments should still fund higher education adequately.
On the one hand, vocational training is a better choice for some people when deciding what to do with their future, and this requires investment. Not everyone wants to undertake a higher education course, and there is a fundamental need for practical training to create good opportunities for young people in order to give them the best chance of success. For example, culinary schools train prospective chefs in cooking skills and hygiene, allowing them to earn a qualification which they can list on their CV, improving their employability. In addition, good vocational training programs for young people could help to deal with problems such as crime by offering them a good path to work towards a well-paid career.
On the other hand, there are several reasons why governments should not reduce university investment and keep it as a top priority. Firstly, many essential jobs require higher education for professional competency, and without good universities, a country may suffer consequences from important roles not being filled. In terms of healthcare, doctors are crucial for treatment, and in construction, engineers are necessary to ensure safety. Secondly, a degree gives people better prospects as studies show that graduates earn more money on average throughout their lives than those who do not. Thirdly, universities are very expensive to operate and need a good level of funding to run smoothly; if higher education institutions were to be underfunded, the quality of education would suffer.
In conclusion, it is a positive plan for countries to take vocational training seriously and invest in it, however, this should not be done at the expense of universities.
