Vocational Courses

Vocational courses are career-specific, this means the course relates to a specific area of employment or industry sector. Vocational courses tend to be practical and skills-focused, and many include work-related projects or work experience. Assessment of vocational courses is on a continuous basis and students are required to complete practical tasks and assignments throughout the year. 

GOING THE VOCATIONAL WAY

Inderjeet Dagar
Principal
College of Vocational Studies, Delhi University

Vocational education guarantees students a meaningful and contemporary education.The curriculum is restructured in response to the changing environment and reflects current issues and concerns. It successfully interweaves general education with work-oriented skills and knowledge. It helps in incorporating knowledge of computers, software applications and communication skills, which are basic requirements for any kind of job in the industry today.

There is a need to change the mindset of the people regarding the status of the vocational education and courses. They are considered somewhat inferior. But vocational education is as important and relevant, if not more, as traditional one. They are tailored to meet the needs of the industry.

Vocational studies make youngsters employableThe future will belong to vocational education as a major portion of Indian population is young and it becomes imperative to impart them with relevant skill to make them productive and employable. The pro-vocational government policy will give further fillip to expansion and diversification of this format of education.

Before enrolling for vocational courses the learner should keep in mind his or her interest, aptitude and aim in life. The course should be opted after due considerations and matching of interest with available courses.

Limited options are available when it comes to choosing vocational courses and the colleges offering them. But the trend of diversification of vocational courses has already started and the colleges and universities offering them are also on the rise. One of the drawbacks of vocational education in India is that the possibilities of higher education are rather limited.

To make them more relevant and popular, they should become more student friendly. This means that those who want to work right after graduation should be able to do so, and those who want to take up further studies in similar areas should have interesting options available as well. "Job Power: Vovational studies make youngsters employable"

Source: India Today: ASPIRE Magazine : May Issue 2009