Lately, many propose that academic education is receiving an unhealthy amount of attention, while the scarcity of qualified craftsmen such as construction workers, electricians, or locksmiths is getting more acute, prompting the necessity to focus more on vocational training. From my perspective, while there is no doubt on the veracity of this statement, I believe a balanced approach is more preferable.
On the one hand, it is undeniable that multiple benefits can be derived from attending skill- focused schools instead of universities. Firstly, the programs of vocational schools are generally shorter and less economically challenging. More specifically, while college students have to commit to at least three years of full-time study, it takes only 1 or 2 years for students to receive certain specialised certifications, while the total amount of annual fee is significantly cheaper. In addition, students attending vocational training schools often have fewer problems with acquiring a job after graduation. As an explanation for this, the principal focus of vocational programs is to provide hands-on experience to students, and there is no need for them to study subjects irrelevant to their choice of subject or market requirements. Thus, they are suitable to fit in working positions without additional training.
Despite such advantages, academic education in universities should not be neglected. University education provides the labor market with an abundant number of quality workers and ensures the advancement of our society. Students from higher institutions are often tasked with more advanced positions, which vocational training schools could not provide. These people are capable of conducting research that propels innovations. Another benefit of university education is that it fosters cultural standards much needed in a technologically advanced and efficiency-driven society. Particularly, often higher forms of study are taught in universities, culminating in a generation of workers who are also culturally and socially correct.
In conclusion, I am inclined to restate that a balance in academic and vocational training should be achieved. Therefore, vocational training should no longer be kept on the periphery of the educational system and there should be a more proper training orientation suitable for people with different goals and background.