Vocational Degree

Get the Facts on Vocational Degree Programs

It’s probably fair to say that vocational degree programs don’t get the respect they deserve. Vocational training is all about the skills needed for a specific trade or job function, which means it’s as practical as any education can be. Many people think of vocational training in terms of automotive services, welding, and other technical occupations. However, a wide range of job functions fall under the vocational umbrella. Everything from paralegal work to computer network management can be included in this diverse and lucrative category.

Before it was formalized, vocational training was often a matter of seeking guidance from established professionals already in a given field. Spending years as an apprentice wasn’t uncommon. Today, there are plenty of educational options for those who want to receive hands-on vocational training and work for themselves on a faster timeline.

One of the best things about vocational degree programs is that they get right to the heart of what it takes to thrive in a career. You don’t have to take general education courses that might focus more on theory than applicable skills. For those who want to jump right into a profession as quickly as possible, this is a major advantage.

Vocational education and training, or VET, can be broken down into associate’s degree programs, diploma programs, and certifications. Community colleges, technical schools, and career colleges across the country offer VET courses in a wide range of areas. There are even online VET programs that make specialized career training especially convenient.

The idea behind vocational training is to provide practical knowledge and hands-on experience to take directly into a career. If you’re interested in pursuing a vocational education, it’s a good idea to find out about class sizes and the environment in which you’ll be learning. A smaller class allows for more personal attention. You also want to be sure that the school you’re attending is accredited and respected within your chosen field.

There are plenty of high-paying careers you can pursue with a vocational degree. A huge variety of jobs in the construction field are in play here, including everything from stone mason to plumber. Dental hygienists, nuclear technicians, and radiation therapists boast annual salaries of $70-80,000 and they’re all great examples of vocational training-fueled careers.

Vocational degrees can also help you enter some of the fastest-growing careers. Jobs like computer support specialist and web developer are prime examples of this, with each one projected to grow at a faster than average rate through 2028 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you want to get on the fast track to a rewarding career, it’s definitely worth your time to check out a few vocational degree programs in your area.