USA: Berufliche Bildung gewinnt Respekt
Vocational education gaining respect
Vocational education programs have been around since the early 1900s; the
modern name for the specialized hands-on education is "Career and Technical
Education" (CTE). Labor markets have become more specialized through time, and
the economy in the United States is demanding higher levels of skills.
Vocational education is on the rise, and its perception is improving in
society.
The perception of vocational education continues to improve as
we reteach the value of the vocational occupations in society. Vocational
education should not be considered second-tier to the four-year postsecondary
degree. Technical employers are saying they cannot find enough skilled workers
to fulfill their open positions.
Workers in these specialized vocational
fields can actually receive much higher-paying first jobs and have much less
debt than their peers who are job-hunting with a bachelor’s degree. For example,
a high school graduate who pursues a two-year vocational degree in a high-demand
specialized field, such as welding, will likely have a higher salary and
immediate placement.
The National Education Association released a
research study that stated the vast majority (70 percent) of the United States
(U.S.) labor force does not have a bachelor's degree. Approximately 74 percent
are working in middle-skill (42 percent) or low-skill jobs (32 percent) that
typically require a high school education or some college.
According to
Mark Philips, an Edutopia columnist, "vocational education on both a secondary
and post-secondary level should be highly valued, well-funded and effectively
implemented. The first steps can and should be taken on a local level."
Many businesses are investing in vocational education through training
organizations and subsidized apprenticeships. With this specialized movement in
the industries, it is becoming increasingly more important to pursue vocational
training in high school. If students have the opportunity, they are able to
graduate from high school with a professional certificate in addition to their
diplomas. Some of these students are actually trained for needed technical
specialties by their future employers.
High schools are effectively
working on bridging the gap for students who are entering the workforce and not
interested in a traditional postsecondary four-year degree. Engaging students in
a field of interest keeps them motivated academically throughout their four
years of high school.
At Mt. Vernon High
School, junior and senior students have the opportunity to attend either
Anderson Career and Technology Center or Walker Career Center for half the
school day. Mt. Vernon High School pays for the
tuition, and students are responsible for their own transportation. Class
options are endless: Advanced Culinary Arts, Advanced Hospitality Management,
Automotive Collision Repair Technology, Computer Tech Support, Construction
Trades, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Dental Careers, Early Childhood
Education, Aerospace, and Veterinary Careers, among many others.
Vocational education is an alternative way of teaching math, science and
reading through a hands-on method. For example, students are still learning many
valuable state-mandated academic lessons but in a more practical way. These
vocational programs are valuable, not only producing skilled members of the
workforce but also providing a creative outlet for students who enjoy hands-on
learning.
The vocational students can receive specialized skills in
their respective area of interest, providing them with experience and skills
needed to succeed in their field.
The Mt. Vernon
Community School Corp. (MVCSC) understands the
importance of having a vocational offering for students locally, as not all
students have the transportation means to take classes elsewhere.
Further research is under way to offer vocational training and industry
certifications at MVCSC, as well as other possible programs such as expanding
dual credit options, adult learning opportunities (e.g., Ivy Tech), and possibly an Early College
Program (University High School). These programs can produce revenue while
offering an educational benefit to students.
Some high schools in the
United States are creating internship programs to help students gain practical
experience. The student interns are then mentored by an on-site professional and
visited by their school adviser. Mt. Vernon High
School offers "Interdisciplinary Cooperative Education" (ICE) for seniors who
are interesting in obtaining work experience while getting paid. Some larger
national companies partner with Mt. Vernon High
School and offer an internship through ICE.
The education system is not
just preparing people to work, but to become citizens. In a democracy, you need
citizens who can think critically. People who have jobs are often better
citizens. Vocational education prepares students to become productive citizens
prepared to excel in their field, with less debt and more specialized
Training.
- The author Maria Bond serves as the director communications for Mt. Vernon Community School Corp.
Quelle: Daily Reporter, greenfieldreporter.com, Kommentar, 25.10.2016