The Forgotten Truth of Career and Technical Education

In recent decades, vocational schools, which are often referred to as career trade schools or post secondary educational institutions in the United States, have acquired a negative reputation because of the horror stories that are often expressed by individual experiences plus the empty promises to fulfill employment expectations, but the reality is trade schools are vital to the growth of the work force.

The purest form of a vocational school dates back to 1917 with the Smith-Hughes Act. It was a government funded law that authorized federal funding for career seeking education for American schools. It provided kids from poorer families educational opportunities and skills in respective fields that were necessary parts of economic prosperity at the time. According to Emily Hanford, these workers were often referred to as “worker bees” because of their dedication to the specialized field they were trained for.

Throughout the 20^th century, trade schools served as career creating intuitions for returning veterans. Lincoln Technical Institute trained veterans post World War II to work in civilian careers which consisted of servicing air conditioning, refrigeration equipment, and automotive aspects. The economic needs are met with short term training programs that prepare individuals for the desired demands of society.

The Health Care field is upon the largest industry of 2016 with employment in areas such as Certified Home Health Aides and Phlebotomy Technicians is said to increase by 22% in the next ten years according to the United States Bureau of Labor of Statistics. With the baby boomer generation aging, the health care needs of citizens will continue to rise, thus, more certified individuals are required.

Claudia, who is a current student at a medical academy in New Jersey, completed a Certified Nursing Assistant course, and found employment in a health care facility located in Cranford, New Jersey commented on her experience on attending a vocational school. “There are vocational schools out there that are genuinely there to help you out through to the end and even after you finish your certification. I'm doing something I love now because of this school,” she said with a smile as she expressed her gratitude.

Vocational schools are an alternative for those who want to begin a worthwhile career, to focus on their passions, achieve authentic expectations, and to have a second option other than the 4-year college route where only 60% complete their degrees according to New Jersey Business and Industry Association. The realistic historical importance of career and technical education remains precedent with nationally recognized reports, such as Pathways to Propserity, which advocates the nation's needs to increase its academic focus on technical readiness for employees and employers alike.

The truth is, specifically in New Jersey where schools score near the top on national measures, there are standards for career and technical educational facilities to follow. Its vocational programs are upon the best where up to 70 percent of graduates go onto 4 year colleges with a head start on a degree or occupational credential. In essence, graduates who enter the workforce from vocational schools have the skills, the educational foundation, and the experience of a lifetime to pursue their dreams.