There is a consensus that to get anywhere in life, in this day and era one needs to quality education. According to a report formally released in 2009 by the National Governors Association, it is estimated that by 2015, nearly 76 percent of designated occupations will require a post-secondary certificate qualification or degree (Bachmann 1). College education can help students compete successfully in today’s job market, but choosing the degree program that meets that meets the market needs can prove challenging. The difference between college and vocational training can be read in the quote, “Finding a good lawyer or physician is easy. Finding a good carpenter, painter, electrician, plumber, glazier, mason--the list goes on and on--is difficult, and it is a seller's market.” (Murray 1). College education is better than vocational training because it broadens individual knowledge and enables a person to live a richer life. A bachelor’s degree may give an individual the golden ticket to career development, as a range of growing careers requires only a certificate or an associate degree. All these reasons make college education better than vocational training.
Vocational training refers involves teaching students a vocation. On the other hand, conventional college or institution of higher education offers a two-year or four-year courses that lay emphasis on teaching students critical judgment skills rather than training them a vocation. The main aim of traditional colleges teaches students how to solve problems, analyze and do research. Upon graduation, students may not have a clear career path, but they should have the skills to enter the professional work force or their field or related field. According to Murray (1) academic instructions are typically designed to provide theory and independent of labor requirements. Vocational training offer career and technical education and this education can take place at both secondary and tertiary level, but growing fields such as technology and health care often require post-secondary education.
In addition, college education includes a broader range of content that guarantees graduates entry for an entry-level career in a variety of industries and businesses. Vocational schools differ from colleges in that their cases are more career-focused rather than academic. On the other hand, technical schools provide many industry-specific courses that do not give students the flexibility to choose between job opportunities. While they might offer less immediate employment opportunity in the field of study, they lead to less flexibility in career development. In some cases, students with a four-year college degree can land jobs that require degrees outside their field of study. This is the major advantage of taking classes in sciences, math, humanities, language, and communication, along with major-specific classes.
Moreover, certain careers offered in technical schools can find jobs that pay better that entry-level jobs attained by traditional college students. On a national level, people with traditional college education earn 63 percent more than those without a college education do (Murray 1). In addition, a college degree does not only bring more money it also serves as a sign of job security. During the financial crisis of 2008 when the unemployment rate in the United States rose by more than 10 percent, people with a college degree experienced an unemployment rate of only 4.2 percent (Bachmann 1). That translates to five workers fighting for every one available job without a degree. Conversely, workers with a degree only had to compete with about two other workers per every available job. However, overall, graduates from traditional schools make more over their entire career and have access to more high paying jobs. A study indicated that bachelor’s qualification holders made up more than 26 percent more, typically than professionals with an associate degree. In the corporate world, an ordinary mechanic cannot earn more than a regular accountant. Even though there are exceptions, vocational training cannot give an individual the ability to move up in the organization and make as much money as the person with a college degree.
Along with career advantages and tangible career, a four-year college experience equips students with a broader knowledge base. The combination of program course, general education courses, elective, and hands-on college experiences typically provide this (Watson 1). Together with greater career flexibility, a well-rounded education enhances the ability of a graduate to interact, converse, with the community and business managers and take part fully in the whole operation of an organization. Although students who hold a degree have better prospects for jobs, the overall structure of the society does not call upon everyone to consider attending university (Murray 1). Because of this, many people enter the workforce with very little or no experience, and with good work ethic and attitude they can work their way up to very good jobs that give them with financial security. With all the advantages of attaining a college degree, college education also has its shortfall.
Compared to vocational training, traditional college education is expensive. Many people do not afford to pay for their college education upfront, requiring them to take loans. This makes many people enter the job market while in significant debt. Student loans usually have a grace period of six months, and if one does not find an employment in that predetermined time, he or she may end up making high payments without accessing a paycheck (Bachmann 1). Workers who have attended vocational training has no loan to pay. This can make them earn compared to college students who have a large amount of loan to pay back. Additionally, college education can prove expensive for students who decide to avoid taking education loans. The burden usually remains the responsibility of the parent, as they have to struggle to pay college fees.
In conclusion, the decision on the college to attend requires a careful and insightful thought. For some, traditional four-year college degree is the best way to pursue. For others, the fear of insurmountable debt and the possibility of fewer prospects for jobs becomes much for them to justify. Even those who skip the college path can also find a rewarding future. From the above arguments, it is evident that college education is better than vocational training as it offers students with a brighter future, better career and pay, as well as job security. Additionally, college life is full of fun because, according to Murray, “Most students find college life to be lots of fun (apart from the boring classroom stuff), and that alone will keep the four-year institution overstocked for a long time. (1). College student can easily pay for their loans provided they find a job that pays well.
Work cited
Bachmann, Helena. Who Needs College? The Swiss Opt for Vocational School. 04 Oct. 2012 World Time. Web 23 Feb 2014. http://world.time.com/2012/10/04/who-needs-college-the-swiss-opt-for-vocational-school/
Murray, Charles. What's Wrong with Vocational School? Wall Street Journal. 17 Jan 2007. Web 23 Feb 2014 www.aei.org/article/society-and-culture/citizenship/whats-wrong-with-vocational-school/
Watson, Bruce. Why College May Not Be the Best Choice for Your Education Dollar. 9 Aug 2012. Web 23 Feb 2014 http://www.dailyfinance.com/2012/08/09/college-vs-vocational-education-better-wages-less-debt/
