Is a Vocational Course Worth It? 6 Reasons Why It Is
In 2017, there were over 200,000 international students taking up vocational and educational training courses in Australia. This underlines the popularity of these courses but are they really worth it and should you enrol already?
While these courses were easy to dismiss in the past, statistics show that they indeed are a force to be reckoned with. The following are five reasons why you should consider taking a vocational course.
Easy to Get In
Higher educational institutions are highly competitive the world over and the situation is no different in Australia. Most reputable universities have stringent intake processes and require high qualifications for degree programs.
Not so for vocational courses.
These courses have a lower barrier to entry while providing value and the potential for further education. TAFE courses, especially at the level of diploma, allow one to earn credits which can shorten the study time if one decides to enrol in a related degree program.
These courses can also give international students a taste of how it is to study in the country and enable them to join Australian Universities.
Better Employment Prospects
The average job search in Australia lasts 82 days. Of course, this varies with age, educational qualifications, and so on. Usually, most people associate higher educational qualifications to better job prospects, but this is interestingly not always true.
The CICA report found out that 78% of vocational education and training graduates in Australia find employment after graduation as compared to only 69% of bachelor’s degree holders. And it doesn’t end there. The median salary for a VET graduate is $56,000. This is $2k more than what a first-degree holder earns.
This is not surprising because vocational courses instill hands-on skills that are in high demand in the workplace today.
Allows you to Find your Footing
Even with the right career guidance, many young people find themselves not sure about what career path to take. Most TAFE courses allow you to learn useful skills and to try classes in a whole range of topics.
This will give you a chance to see what piques your interest. Besides, you will get an opportunity to get in a real work setting allowing you to know whether that is the career you would really want to get into.
Flexibility
These programs are so flexible that almost anyone can fit in. You can take a full-time or a part-time course, you can study on campus, or you can take lessons from the comfort of your home, and your age or skill level does not matter.
Vocational training courses range from certificate 1 all the way to advanced diploma. This means that there are many starting points depending on one’s qualifications.
Allows Versatility
VET courses are based on practical needs in the workplace. As a result, many vocational courses are focused on occupations that are rapidly growing or those that are expected to experience remarkable growth in the near future. This means that a vocational course is likely to throw you into a career that is in high demand.
It doesn’t end there. The Career Industry Council of Australia notes that vocational training can provide a faster way to teach new skills. In just six months, a student taking a vocational course can learn new skills and enter a different market, with choices as varied as nutrition courses and welding.
Shorter Study Time
Vocational courses take much lesser time compared to degree courses. This ranges from between several months to two years. Shorter study time means that there will be shorter interruptions in your daily schedule and that you can start earning without having to spend too much time in school.
In addition to being short, vocational courses are way cheaper than degree courses.
Do not Hesitate
Whether you just want to improve your skillset or change careers, a vocational course can set you on the right path. With a host of courses to choose from, there is something for everyone interested in furthering their education.