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Why Vocational Education is Critical for Many Young People
Special to The Truth
In this high-tech era
where a college degree is positioned as a necessity for
success, vocational education is often overlooked. But
experts say that a vocational education provides the right
experience for many jobs that are currently vacant.
Indeed, there are 30
million jobs nationwide that don’t require a Bachelor’s
Degree that pay an average of $55,000 annually, according to
the Georgetown University Center on Education and the
Workforce.
Whether it’s a student
that doesn’t fit the traditional high school-to-college path
or someone who is interested in mechanics, a vocational
education can prepare that individual for a well-paying,
real-world career right out of high school. Indeed, many
students learn from industry professionals and participate
in internships and other unique programs that serve as a
springboard to careers after they graduate.
For example, over the last
two decades, derelict farm equipment has provided high
school-aged students with the tools they need for life
through the Chevron’s Delo Tractor Restoration Competition,
an annual event that is open to high school-aged tractor
restorers. The program provides a national platform for
students interested in careers in agriculture or diesel
mechanics on which to shine, mixing the hands-on vocational
experience of restoring an antique tractor with the business
skills needed to detail, manage and communicate the process.
On top of valuable experience and national exposure at
industry events, the Delo Grand Champion receives a $10,000
prize.
The process of restoring
an antique tractor to like-new condition involves
commitment, determination, teamwork, project management,
budgeting, planning and even a little marketing. It’s a very
hands-on experience and those familiar with the program say
that participants come out prepared for the real world.
“I can’t count the number
of kids that have been exposed to excellent career
opportunities through this program,” says Rick Elmore,
career and technology education coordinator at Dubiski
Career High School. “I have been an advisor and mentor to
participants in the competition for over a decade and have
seen the impact it can have on their lives.”
Indeed, many participants
have gone on to careers in mechanics, or have used the
experience to launch them into careers outside of
agriculture or mechanics.
“The vocational aspects of
the Delo event provided critical context that led to my
study of automotive restoration at McPherson College,” says
Tabetha Salsbury Hammer, two-time competition winner (‘03
and ‘04) and the first female to win the event. “The
business skills helped prepare me for a career in the
classic car industry. To say this event changed my life
would be an understatement.”
For those interested in a
vocational education, such programs abound, representing a
number of industries and careers. It’s only a matter of
learning more about these opportunities.
So, whether you have an
aptitude for mechanics or you are not sure if a traditional
four-year college degree is the right path for you, visiting
the career center at your school as well as looking into
vocational internships, programs and competitions, can
expand your horizons about what’s possible for your future.
Courtesy StatePoint |
