What is vocational training?
Vocational training is a type of programme that focuses on hands-on work versus traditional academic exams. Ideal for students who want a practical, career-driven education, vocational training prepares students for their desired field of work or "vocation" with the particular skill set needed for specific trades and occupations.
Why should I consider vocational training?
Compared to a traditional 4-year degree programme, vocational training is typically more affordable and takes less time to enter the work world. Vocational training candidates have the benefit of starting work faster and working while learning. Vocational courses can even be taken beside traditional courses acting as a complementary, more practical based method of learning.
Vocational training and education is flexible, and equips participants with the underpinning knowledge, competence, tools, skills, techniques relevant to technology and science, in order to fill the requirements for a specific field of work or the features of a particular trade in the job market. Vocational training is also known as procedural knowledge.
This education system has three different stages recognised as the secondary, post-secondary and further or higher education level. These experience and qualifications can act as credits in academic institutes in the case of tertiary education.
Where can I take vocational training?
Vocational training courses are available in a variety of institutions, schools, colleges, universities and studio schools. In-house courses are also available along with modern online learning methods like e-learning. There are many online vocational courses and massive open online courses available. These may have costs to be incurred or may be free of cost. It is always wise to check with your vocational training provider as sometimes courses are publicly funded or subsidised.
Vocational training standards in the UK
In the UK, vocational courses are becoming increasingly popular as the government is taking initiatives to increase vocational training, such as the apprenticeships levy, for example. Awards and accolades have also been introduced to provide incentives and augment education since the 1970's. The number of participants in vocational training schemes and courses has also increased in recent years.
As vocational education is linked with apprenticeships, increasing skill level and specialisation of the job market in their specific fields, it is seen as the highest level of work-based training. Apprenticeships are available in three levels known as intermediate level apprenticeships, advanced level apprenticeships and higher apprenticeships.
How much can I earn after vocational training?
Employers are likely to hold a favourable view towards those who have already put their skills into practice through vocational training, as this shows that you are likely to transition into your role more effectively when you begin.
Due to its 'on-the-job' approach to learning and the breadth of industries that vocational training covers, completion of a vocational training course is likely to leave you well prepared to begin, or continue, a well paid career in whichever sector you have honed your skills in. Here are five of the most popular vocational careers, including the average annual salary for both men and women.
Top 5 most popular vocational careers
| Nurse | £26,713 |
| Medical technician | £25,899 |
| Web developer | £31,705 |
| Electrician | £31,174 |
| Plumber | £30 536 |
Find out more about average salaries in the UK
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