Vocational learning is quite different from taking up a normal college degree. In vocational training a student is taught a specific skill which is traditionally non-academic and totally related to a specific trade, vocation or occupation. It is also known by the name technical education at times. Here the student directly picks up expertise in a particular technique or technology.



Vocational training emphasize on providing specific skills to a trade or industry. Training concentrates on practical experience so that the student secures employment in that field. As such vocational training is quite different from normal education that consists of learning of abstract conceptual knowledge.

Vocational education should start at either secondary or post-secondary level. Further, it can also be interacted with the apprenticeship system. In the American system, vocational education cannot be termed as part of the tertiary education. It does not fall under the traditional definition of a higher education either taking into consideration its own form and syllabus. However, it is increasingly recognized in terms of recognition of prior learning and partial academic credit towards tertiary education. It is more career-orientated and technical rather than being academic.

Vocational education in the US has come a long way to be recognized. In its earlier days mostly automobile mechanic, welder and others undertook vocational training. As such people used to regard it as lower social classes activities. It has come a long way to remove this social stigma and now many high career aspirants undertake vocational training.

The global economy in general has become more competitive and everywhere there is a demand for highly skilled employees. The labor market has becomes more specialized. Sensing this, the Federal government has started investing more money into vocational education organizations that are publicly funded. The cost of apprenticeship and traineeship has also become less so as to encourage vocational education. Post-secondary vocational education is usually provided by a local community college or an institute of technology.

With industries sectors such as retail, information technology, tourism, cosmetics, funeral services and crafts and cottage industries requiring vocationally trained people, the future of vocational education is quite good. In the coming years, vocational education is likely to be diversified into other sectors as well.

Most of the community colleges in the US offer vocational education, though the approach may vary from state to state. Some states also have institutes of technology offering vocational education. These institutes are on an equal accreditation footing with other state universities.

Junior high schools and high schools also pay attention to vocational training though in a very limited way. Some of the vocational courses offered at this level include drafting and auto repair, typing, business courses, wood and metal shop, and home economics. The Federal and state governments have also taken other measures to link academics to work. School to Work is one such initiative that involves spending time at a job site, though without pay.

The Office of Vocational and Adult Education within the US Department of Education makes sure that vocational education is not given a step motherly treatment. Along with the Office of Vocational and Adult Education, it supervises the vocational activities in the US. The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest private association in the US dedicated to the advancement of vocational education.