VET – Flexible education and training for Australians
Australians are fortunate to have access to a wide range of post-secondary education options. Continuing to pursue a higher education gives young people the skills they need to compete in the job market.
When determining which path to take in higher education, you’re facing a common dilemma – to pursue academic or vocational education? Obviously, each system has its own focus and advantages, which can make choosing the right path for you become a challenge.
University has long been the ultimate choice of further education for young people, but does vocational education and training (VET) have more to offer than you may have realised?
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The focus on practical skills
University might be a promising path for some students, but depending on the subject chosen, it can leave many graduates with no practical skills and, sometimes, debt.
VET students, on the other hand, spend time practising real-world skills that they will need and can apply at work. Their studies focus on equipping them with the knowledge and tangible skills they’ll need to succeed in their chosen field.
Work experience is an actual part of VET programs. Most VET students can graduate with hands-on experience in their chosen industry, allowing them to hit the ground running once they start working full-time.
Being job-ready
As mentioned, the majority of VET graduates already have prior experience and specialised training in their chosen sector. Meanwhile, many university students have to apply for extra-curricular internships to gain more working experience and lift their resumé.
Many vocational training programs even allow students to ‘earn while they learn’. That means students can earn money by participating in paid internships as part of their curriculum.
VET students rarely have to worry about applying for positions that require specialised work experience in their chosen profession.
More than often, VET graduates already have the skills they need to step immediately into the role and set the foundation for a successful career more quickly than students who attended traditional academic schools. In addition, they tend to finish their education in a shorter amount of time.
Adaptable Programs
Finally, vocational courses are designed to help non-traditional students who want to study while juggling other responsibilities. This option is helpful for people who want to shift to a new career while working or parenting full-time.
VET programs are typically shorter and more flexible than college or university programs. This makes it easier for people to return to school or continue their education to advance to the next level.
Further education combined with occupational training could provide students with the possibility to:
- Reach a higher-level position in the same company or field
- Learn the skills and knowledge they’ll need to switch careers
- And negotiate a higher salary to fit a certificate or newly acquired skills.
Today, there’re plenty of vocational and training programs available that cater to working adults by offering night and weekend course options. Many VET distance programs also allow students to work through materials and lesson plans at their own pace, allowing them to dive into learning at their own pace and on their own time.
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In a world where most professions are constantly changing, the VET sector appears to be a more flexible, easier-to-access, and versatile alternative for Australians than traditional university courses. However, only the person embarking on their educational journey can judge which path is ‘better’ for them.
So next time you’re thinking about further education, don’t rush!
Take your time to think about where you want to go in your profession and spend time researching your possibilities. Be sure to thoroughly research both the benefits and drawbacks of this learning style to ensure that it’s the best fit – just for you.