The world is changing, and children must be prepared for the change. It is no longer business as usual, where white-collar jobs were all that people needed to make ends meet.
Today, acquiring vocational skills will prepare children to be ahead of their contemporaries as they grow into adulthood.
They could do what they desire and not settle for what is available. Many adults today who had the opportunity to learn. Today, some are regretting having lost such a great opportunity. Others feel the pain of not doing what they do not have passion for.
Discussion on acquiring vocational skills will guide children in their choice of career, and it will also inspire them to know where their passion for work lies so that they can pursue it right from childhood.
We shall be discussing the definition of vocational training and its importance of vocational skills, different vocational skills to explore and some tips for successful vocational skill acquisition. We trust the Lord to guide children into living a successful and fulfilled life.
Meaning of vocational training
Vocational training is a specific training in skills. It is a set of teachings of knowledge, or instructions designed to acquire skills required for a particular job function or trade.
It provides hands-on or practical experience and can lead to a diploma or an associate degree in such an occupational field.
Vocational training is different from traditional academic education, which is often theoretical and may include a lot of irrelevant subjects.
Vocational training is practical-oriented, where you keep your mind engaged and hands active to bring about a needed product you can make money from.
The training centres, career centres, field-specific institutes and technical schools primarily offered them. Specialised skills require vocational training and new technology to match the increasing demand of the economy.
Features of vocational training
There are specific features that set vocational training apart. These features include:
- Competence – a proven demonstration that somebody can satisfactorily deliver a service.
- Work-ready training
- Usually cheaper and more practical
- Often shorter than full-time university training
- It is often challenging and requires intellectual abilities in swift decision-making. It also keeps the body active, which helps individuals improve their experience to prepare them for opportunities in a real-life work environment.
- Specific skills can be gained from vocational training.
- People on a particular job can brush up on skills with vocational training
Types of vocational training
Regulated vocational training
It is provided under the education system. It aims to develop the competency required for the job. It is for students with no previous experience.
Certificates are issued to satisfy competence and successful completion of the training. The training is job-specific, and does not take as long as university degree courses.
Apprenticeship or occupational training
It is designed to equip workers employed or unemployed for a given occupation or job. It is not academically recognised
It does not offer general training, but is only specific to a skill. It provides an individual with the opportunity to have practical experience in a real-life work environment.
Work-based training
This is called on-the-job training. In the reference, the company can directly provide the training, or any third-party organisation can provide it.
Continuous training
Sometimes, the need arises for employees to develop vocational skills. One can do it through online training or distance training.
Vocational training is either formal or informal skills acquisition. The Formal Skills Acquisition requires the student to be able to read and write. Examples are graphic design, computer programming, consulting, and so on.
On the other hand, informal skills acquisition does not require reading or writing; all it takes to learn is for the apprentice to be focused and determined. Examples are makeup artists, hairstylists, barbers’ salons, event planners, art and craft, etc.
Adequate vocational training leads to economic empowerment and can play a vital role in a nation’s economy. In addition, acquiring one or two vocational skills gives you better chances and makes you more employable among unemployed youths in the country.
Importance of vocational skills
Vocational education is essential for an efficient and effective workforce. Vocational skills are crucial for the economic and social development of any society. Many of the skills that are in demand in the 21st century are vocational and technical.
In today’s world, white-collar jobs are becoming increasingly difficult to find; therefore, children must be introduced to vocational training early. They should be encouraged to learn skills based on their natural abilities and preferences.
Soft skills
Soft skills such as interpersonal, communication, managerial, negotiation, teamwork, leadership and networking are products of vocational skills.
It improves creativity
One benefit of vocational training for anyone who acquires the skills is the ability to become creative and innovative, ultimately making such a person outstanding.
It promotes entrepreneurship
Another benefit is to promote entrepreneurship and make young people self-dependent and self-sufficient.
It boosts your networks.
Learning and using the skills acquired from vocational training can give you a strong network of consumers in different fields of life.
It makes it easier for students to find employment
Most organisations are looking for skilled and competent workers. Certificates without skills will lead to unemployment.
It boosts your academic credentials.
It can enhance your admission to tertiary institutions. It can also increase your chances of securing your dream job.
You become a change agent within society.
This is because your skills can add positive value to people’s lives within and outside your community.
Mental development
Most vocational training requires excellent concentration and focus. Children who learn early about vocational skills have a high chance of developing cognition faster.
Vocational education enhances job performance. It prepares the trainee for real-life challenges and situations. Vocational training enables everyone to be gainfully employed, especially those without formal education. Vocational skills can be acquired by:
- Watching with keen interest
- Imitating the work process
- Practising what you had learnt
- Giving a helping hand
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Having a meaningful conversation
- Listening and paying close attention
- Critical thinking
- Making enquiries
- Simulation and role play
Kinds of vocational skills you can do
Vocational skills are practical skills that help an individual to be competent and gain expertise in a job. Some examples of vocational skills are listed below.
Auto technician
The vocation requires knowing how to diagnose, maintain and repair specific vehicle makes and models.
Hairstylist
A hairstylist is a person with skills in cutting and styling hair. They are also knowledgeable about the appropriate products for different types of hair.
Fashion designer
This has to do with creative and artistic skills. A fashion designer is a person who creates and designs clothing styles by effortlessly turning pieces of fabric into beautiful outfits and designs. This is an exciting career that allows you to unleash your creativity and bring your ideas to life.
Computer programming
Programmers are skilled and proficient in coding, testing and debugging code. They also need software maintenance knowledge and the ability to upgrade and add new product features and functions.
Electrician
An electrician installs, maintains and repairs wiring and electrical equipment.
Carpenter
A carpenter is a professional who builds and repairs items made of glass, wood, such as wooden houses, office furniture, boats, chairs and tables, etc.
Event planner
Event planning is a vocational skill involving planning, managing and supervising an event. A good event planner knows a bit of everything that makes for a successful event.
They also have a network of diverse event professionals such as caterers, DJs, Photographers, videographers, and Interior and Exterior Decorators.
Photographer
This is an individual who possesses the skills needed to promote outstanding pictures with a camera. They include the art or profession of taking photographs, developing and printing the film or processing the digitalized array of images.
Arts and crafts
This skill is valuable where products and decorative objects are made by hand or using simple tools. This includes painting, drawing, shoemaking, beading, hat-making, etc.
Interior design
An interior designer develops designs to make indoor spaces functional, safe, and beautiful by determining space requirements and selecting essential and decorative items for almost every type of building to suit clients’ needs, their budget, and to offer them satisfaction.
Other vocational skills
Other vocational skills include makeup and beautification, jewellery designing, cooking and baking, mobile, laptop and computer repair training, TV and radio repair training, soap and detergent making, battery charging, laundry and dry cleaning, horticulture, plumbing, welding and fabrication and so on.
Tips to prepare for vocational
Have a desire for continuous learning.
To be competitive, one must continually strive for improvement. In the future, employees will need to reinvent themselves and be ready to move from one role to another.
Young ones should learn to explore, create and innovate to update their skills with changing and evolving technologies, which are no longer relevant in their chosen profession.
Learn to become an effective team player.
Organisations are rating employees’ performances by how they improve the team’s results. Many disciplines now have to collaborate with other disciplines to build products and solutions.
As a child disciple, you should learn to complement each other, work together and function as a team.
Be open to accommodating people from other backgrounds, tribes, walks of life, etc.
Learn to develop interpersonal skills. Appreciate and accommodate people from other cultures.
Learn to make the best use of networking opportunities.
Be open to learning about others’ experiences, jobs and sectors. Also, be prepared to protect yourself.
Be resourceful
Learn to do things in new, unique ways. Be solution-driven, find answers to problems and do not be deterred by failure. Being innovative will help you develop knowledge, skills and confidence to be your boss.
Training Attendance
Going for training as an apprentice or on-the-job training programme. Dedicated post-secondary vocational schools train students in skills such as carpentry, interior design, retail and hospitality services, cosmetology, culinary arts, shoe making, and leather work.
Tips for a successful vocational
- Be proactive, anticipate needs and take initiative. Employers are looking for people who can bring fresh ideas to the table. Look out for opportunities and create new solutions.
- Be industrious. A hardworking, diligent, disciplined and enterprising individual will be indispensable and widely sought after.
- Be ready to improve your knowledge. Learn, re-learn and unlearn as the need might call for.
- Set career goals. Clearly define the goals and set a line for achieving these.
- Continuous self-evaluation. Have performance indicators and keep assessing your performance.
- Be trustworthy and honest. Be reliable, dependable and stable. Try as much as possible to meet deadlines and keep your promises. Show by your actions and deliver your competence.
- Strive for excellence. Do your best and keep improving.
- Master the fundamentals and become proficient in using tools and equipment.
- Set skill target goals. When choosing a career path, you must systematically improve every aspect of skill acquisition.
- Earn certifications.
Conclusion
Success and excellence in life do not come on a platter of gold. We must be intentional, disciplined, committed and willing to persevere.
We have seen some tips to help us stand in our vocation. When we imbibe these rights from the early stage in life, there is no limit to our rising in any professional field of our choice. You can learn more similar posts on our education page of the site.
Editors
adminate
