Conventional educational systems may not cater to everyone’s needs. Despite the efforts of top-notch schools and exceptional teachers to personalize their teaching methods, it sometimes falls short. In such cases, many students find vocational technical (vo-tech) schools as a practical alternative.
What Are Vo-Tech Schools?
Instead of providing pupils with a broad knowledge base typical of mainstream high schools, vocational technical (vo-tech) schools equip students with specific occupational skills, better equipping them for immediate employment after school. These institutions, often dubbed trade schools, offer an almost direct transition into the workforce. Suzanne Fraser*, an ex-educator at a central Pennsylvania vo-tech school, recognizes that “students emerge ready for actual working experiences straight from school.”
The Perkins Act, enacted in 1984, was crafted to improve access to vocational education for students. The Act has been continually updated, with the most recent revision occurring in 2018. While many institutions still label themselves as vo-tech schools, a significant change from the 2018 revision was a terminology shift to ‘career and technical education.’ The Act backs vo-tech schools, facilitating funding to deliver career-centric education.
Some vo-tech schools function independently as their own separate entities, accepting students from various regional high schools and districts. These students subsequently get their high school diploma from the vo-tech school. Another prevalent model sees students attending vo-tech schools part-time. They often attend their assigned traditional school in the morning for their core academic classes and spend their afternoons at vo-tech schools, partaking specialized classes. This arrangement can also be alternated throughout the year, with students attending their conventional high school for half the year, and the vo-tech high school for the rest.
One significant benefit of vo-tech schools is the occupational certification and trade experience that students acquire before graduation, making them work-ready. The study fields in vo-tech schools used to be narrow, but a vast array of options exist today. Some of these include:
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Construction
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Mechanics
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Childcare/Education
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Criminal Justice
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Carpentry
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Agriculture
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Healthcare
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Cosmetology
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Drafting & Design
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Food Preparation
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Welding
One element that distinguishes vo-tech schools from mainstream high schools, aside from the emphasis on trades and skills, is the hands-on experience in their chosen field of study. Students receive practical exposure in a classroom setting, learning and honing their trade. Depending on the school, they may start internships, apprenticeships, or even paid jobs while still studying. They also become familiar with the rules and safety regulations related to their field, and may even earn some certifications while in school. Talking about the benefits of a vo-tech school, Justin Allen, a graduate from Lycoming Career & Technology Center (Lyco CTC), revealed that he managed to secure an OSHA certification through his schoolwork.
Vo-Tech High Schools vs. Vocational/Technical Colleges
It’s common to see vo-tech high schools confused with vocational or technical colleges. However, they serve different demographics and purposes. Vo-tech high schools are designed for high school-aged students and aim to offer both a high school diploma and trade or occupational training to the learners. Depending on the school structure, students might graduate from both a traditional and vo-tech high school or could attain the entirety of their education at a vo-tech high school.
On the other hand, a vocational or technical college is a post-high school educational institution where students can learn a vocation or trade. These places welcome students who have graduated from either a traditional high school or a vo-tech high school, as well as those possessing a GED.
In an article published in The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, Davison Mupinga and Kelly Livesay discuss the benefits of choosing a vocational/technical college over a traditional 4-year college. They observed several advantages like shorter, more affordable education, geographic accessibility, and transferable credits. They further noted that vocational schools could be a solid choice for those indecisive about their major.
There is a vast range of programs offered at vocational and technical colleges, with most of their common offerings being similar to those accessible at vo-tech high schools. These institutes are generally structured to fast-track students’ transition into the workforce, with many of their programs being completable within 2 years or less. However, some vocational and technical colleges also provide 4-year degrees.
Vocational and technical colleges might also extend more advanced training and certifications than what’s available at a vo-tech high school. For instance, technical colleges could offer 4-year degrees in disciplines like nursing and engineering. These degrees often provide a more in-depth and comprehensive approach to the field.
How to Find a Vo-Tech School
Many school districts have specific vo-tech schools as an option for their students. To explore your options, a conversation with your school’s guidance counselor would be beneficial. Numerous schools also host tours and information sessions to provide better insight into the programs they offer.
Depending on the size of your school district, your choices for a vo-tech school could be limited; indeed, several districts might only offer a single option. However, larger school districts usually provide a wider selection. If you have different options, discussing with your guidance counselor can be highly helpful in deciding the best vo-tech school for you. The main determining factor should be whether they provide the study field you’re interested in. Another significant difference between various vo-tech schools is their daily schedule structure. Therefore, giving some consideration to what you’d prefer if you have a choice could play into your decision-making as well.
Why Should I Consider a Vo-Tech School?
High school graduates of the ’90s and early 2000s were often heavily encouraged to pursue college education; those who opted not to follow this path were sometimes labeled as failures or stigmatized. However, perceptions surrounding higher education are changing these days, as numerous students are burdened with loans that detract from their living standards. More people have begun realizing that they could attend a vo-tech or trade school at a minimal cost, or even free, and then emerge with the skills needed to secure a well-paid job. Not everyone is destined to be a doctor or a lawyer, and it’s important to remember that our society needs a diverse range of professions to function.
However, financial stability isn’t the only yardstick for quality of life; enjoying your profession is another vital factor. Vo-tech schools offer an extremely low-risk avenue for students to delve into different career paths and discern their likes and dislikes. Attending a vo-tech school allows you to acquire a high school diploma while simultaneously gaining invaluable work and life experience. Keep reading to gain further insights about vo-tech schools and determine whether they align with your aspirations and your life’s direction.
What Are The Downsides of Attending a Vo-Tech School?
While vo-tech schools have plenty of advantages, there might be some reasons they may not be the right choice for you. One potential downside is if this method of learning doesn’t complement your learning style; it’s essential to contemplate whether this type of education suits you before you commit.
An aspect that could be considered a drawback is how some vo-tech schools have a half-day option, which equates to changing schools midway through the day. This shift might be disruptive to some, although others could view it as a refreshing break. Yet, this switch could make you miss elements of your traditional high school’s culture. For instance, vo-tech students might lunch on the move while transitioning schools, missing out on that time with friends in the cafeteria. Special events like pep rallies and assemblies might also be missed.
This half-day shift might be problematic for student athletes who have after-school practice. It could turn into a day filled with commuting from the traditional school in the morning, driving or getting the bus to vo-tech in the afternoon, then hurrying back to the traditional school for practice, especially considering some vo-tech schools might be up to an hour away.
In addition, it’s worth noting that despite changing societal perspectives, vo-tech schools sometimes struggle with stereotypes. Fraser stated that they’re occasionally seen as a ‘dumping ground’ for less academically inclined students. Thankfully, this stereotype has shifted substantially over the years, with the merits of vocational education increasingly acknowledged. Contrary to past opinions, vo-tech students have every ability to progress to college.
One further potential downside is, according to a study published in The Journal of Human Resources, the benefits of vo-tech education may decline over time. Traditionally educated students eventually tend to earn more, despite vo-tech students initially outperforming them financially. This could be attributed to the ever-evolving workplace in our digital era. However, vo-tech students could counteract this by pursuing continuous education and training throughout their careers, maintaining their marketability and relevancy. Regardless of your career, lifelong learning in your field is invaluable once you start working.
Is a Vo-Tech School Right For You or Your Child?
Vo-tech schools can be an excellent choice for any student, as they can prepare students for the workforce by teaching specific trades and provide a strong foundation for those planning to attend college. Despite the sometimes prevailing misconception that vo-tech schools are solely for students who struggle with traditional academic lessons, the opposite is true. According to Allen, vo-tech schools are most beneficial for ambitious and hardworking students.
Fraser also emphasized the positive environment of vo-tech schools compared to traditional ones. Students actively make the choice to attend vo-tech and select their desired field of study, which naturally creates a more engaged and motivated learning space.
Vo-tech schools cater exceptionally well to kinesthetic learners. The time in these schools is often spent on practical experience rather than sitting at a desk for classic classroom lessons. This hands-on approach appeals to students who learn best by practicing.
Victoria Stetts, a proud graduate from what is now known as Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center, attended Commercial Arts in the past and has insights about the types of learners well-suited for vo-tech schools. You might be surprised by the diversity at vo-tech schools. Discussing her experience, Victoria stated:
Vo-tech is suitable for a wide array of individuals. College isn’t the right path for everyone, and we all possess unique skills, talents, and interests. Vo-tech can guide some undecided students in the proper direction and assist them in uncovering a trade or career. Reflecting on my own cohort from CWAVTS, my friends and acquaintances have gone on to diverse paths. These include an art teacher (which is my own career path), a freelance artist, a teacher’s aide, a cafeteria worker, a chiropractor, a gas station owner, a factory worker, and a non-profit executive. Even more diversified fields await others—automotive repair, hairstyling, carpentry, masonry, welding, and more. The wide-ranging possibilities truly highlight the versatility of a vo-tech education.
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If you’re considering a vo-tech school but are uncertain because you don’t foresee a career in a traditional trade field, don’t let that deter you. Skills acquired from a vo-tech education can be applied broadly across various careers. It also serves as an effective method to explore different careers and trades before committing fully, saving you from the potential realization of disliking your chosen career after years on the job.
Vo-tech schools can be exceptionally beneficial for students with IEPs (Individualized Education Plans). These students have the opportunity to receive additional assistance and training for their desired occupation within a school setting. Quite often, students with IEPs discover that their learning style is well-accommodated by the practical nature of education provided in a vo-tech school. There’s an abundance of useful resources available for navigating a vo-tech education for those with an IEP or any disability.
While almost any student could gain from a vo-tech education, some might find this mode of education more suitable than others. Students who are more intellectually inclined towards reading/writing might find a vo-tech environment challenging, similar to how those with a kinesthetic learning style often struggle with traditional education. Students who are more accustomed to desk learning and prefer less hands-on activities may not be the ideal fit for vo-tech.
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How to Get in to a Vo-Tech School
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Certain vo-tech schools can be straightforward to gain admission into, while others can have a more competitive entry process. Speaking about the vo-tech school she attended, Stetts shared her own experiences and observations. She stated:
Indeed, securing spots at her vo-tech school was quite a competition… Teachers and guidance counselors at my high school emphasized the commitment necessary to maintain our spots once awarded in the various shops at vo-tech. They made it clear that we had to stick with our commitments and that quitting was unacceptable. They also made a significant point about the repercussion of quitting – if anyone decided to quit after securing a spot, that spot would remain vacant for the rest of the duration. This kind of wastage was deemed wasteful and regrettable.
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Other vo-tech schools have a different approach, accepting any student from their associated school districts, provided these students maintain satisfactory academic standing. Furthermore, the degree of competitiveness may vary across different programs, as the number of spots available for each trade is limited. While there is a spectrum of competitiveness among vo-tech schools, one of the prominent advantages is the design of these schools to cater to students who lean more towards vocational skills and might struggle in traditional classrooms. Even if your grades aren’t excellent, don’t let that deter you from exploring the admissions process for vo-tech schools in your vicinity. Remember, these institutions exist to amplify values beyond mere academic grades and focus on building practical and vocational skills beneficial for real-world applications.
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What Can I Expect to Learn at a Vo-Tech School?
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Depending on the structure of a particular vo-tech school, students might receive all their education, including core subjects such as Math and English, at that school itself, or they may only receive instruction relating to their chosen vocational skill. An advantage of vo-tech schools that offer comprehensive instruction is that essential academic subjects often tie into the specific trade a student is learning, benefiting the overall educational experience.
For example, teacher Suzanne Fraser, who taught at a full-time vo-tech school, emphasized this approach. She said, “I had to create lessons that catered to the students’ interests or their workshops. At times, my lessons were designed to correlate with what they were learning in the shop.” This teaching method can be incredibly advantageous for students, particularly those who may not resonate with the traditional classroom approach.
Schools like the one where Fraser taught provide integrated learning experiences that you may not find in half-day or part-year vo-tech schools, as in those cases, students still receive their core academic instruction in a conventional high school setting.
On top of gaining expertise in their chosen trades, students who attend vo-tech schools also acquire an abundance of practical knowledge application to daily life. Allen, who learned construction at a vo-tech school, shared his personal experience. He not only acquired skills for his chosen field but also learned valuable lessons that apply to daily scenarios like fixing things around his home. He added that his time at vo-tech also instilled in him a strong work ethic, emphasizing the all-around benefits of such an education.
How Do I Choose My Trade?
Many students opt for vo-tech schools because they have a specific trade they’re interested in pursuing. However, a significant number of students who are uncertain of their direction choose vo-tech to explore hands-on learning and potentially discover their passion.
If you’re unsure about which trade to choose, don’t worry. Guidance counselors and teachers at vo-tech often have ample resources to guide you. Alongside this help, it can be beneficial to personally research and identify the trade you might be interested in.
There are many online tools and questionnaires designed to assist you in discovering your interests and abilities. These resources often suggest job clusters that align with your preferences and can help identify jobs best suited to your skills.
Another integral aspect to consider is your long-term career progression within your chosen vocation. Reflect on the kinds of careers you’re qualified to pursue after your education, and envision what life might be like within that occupation. It isn’t just about choosing a trade; it’s about picturing a future in it. Job shadowing is a fantastic method to gain a realistic feel for the job and the trade overall, providing you with a window into your potential future.
What Happens After Graduating Vo-Tech?
For numerous students, the rightful next step after vo-tech school is directly entering the workforce. Many vo-tech schools offer comprehensive assistance to students, helping them secure jobs. Fraser, for example, highlighted that a significant benefit of vo-tech education is the ability for students to transition straight into the workforce, often with a decent income. Allen mentioned that while he chose not to pursue the trade he studied (construction), his vo-tech school, Lyco CTC, would have assisted him in finding employment in that field had he chosen to do so. However, entering the workforce isn’t the only viable path for vo-tech graduates.
A common misunderstanding about vo-tech schools is that they limit the pathway to higher education, encompassing the belief that vo-tech students don’t or can’t go to college. Fraser refuted this misconception, emphasizing that vo-tech education equips students with skills and training that can be a solid foundation for further education in college. For instance, Stetts shared her own experience of using the training acquired from her vo-tech school, particularly in commercial arts, to pave her way into college, eventually following her passion to become an art teacher. In her own words,
“I managed to create a portfolio that I presented to the Governor’s School for the Arts. I was selected as a semi-finalist, which led to my participation in the Summer Happening at IUP [Indiana University of Pennsylvania]. That was my first and sole experience at a college. No one in my family had ever attended college before. IUP was the only college to which I applied, and I consider myself very fortunate to have been accepted! Following that, I worked as a substitute teacher for three months and then secured a job in Montoursville. The rest, as they say, is history.”
In her case, it was actually her vo-tech experience that paved the path to college. For students who are uncertain about their career choice, this can serve as an excellent opportunity to gain exposure and acquire some hands-on experience. Allen noted that receiving an education at a vo-tech school is an effective way to gain a head start on a college major while simultaneously acquiring valuable work and life experience. The diverse and practical knowledge gained through vo-tech can serve as a strong foundation, whatever the future holds.
A Final Word
Regardless of what kind of student you are or what your future may hold in terms of further education or joining the workforce, vocational/technical education can be highly beneficial. Whether your interest lies in a specific trade, you’re eager to engage in a different learning style, or you aim to secure a competitive edge in the job market, vo-tech could be your ideal answer. At the very least, it is certainly worth looking into and weighing its potential advantages for yourself or your child.
In a conversation about his sentiments on receiving a vo-tech education and if other students should consider this type of education, Allen emphatically asserted, “I would recommend vo-tech education to 100% of students as it can imbue you with a wealth of knowledge and help you cultivate strong work ethic and leadership skills.”
*The teacher chose to use a pseudonym and wished to remain anonymous.
