VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
What are Vocational training courses?
Vocational training also known as Vocational Education and Training (VET) are specific courses or instructional programs for learners who want to get trained and improve their skills for a particular job function or career. These trainings normally take place post-secondary level.
The education focuses on practical applications of the skills learnt in a specific area. The programs are thus structured to help students learn quickly and are easy to integrate. Most of the programs are more practical than theory and provide job-focused training to specific roles or careers. The courses are offered by career colleges, vocational schools, trade schools and community colleges.
VET and skills development have been viewed as important element for promoting economic growth and improving youth unemployment. The United Nations have thus recognized it in their Sustainable Development Goal 4 and advocated for equal access to VET in order to increase the number of youths with relevant skills for the world of work. The target 4.3 reads as: “By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.”
The 2019 World Development Report on the future of work emphasizes on the importance of Vocational Education particularly in higher education to enable workers to develop their skills for the world of work where technology plays an increasingly important role.
Vocational Programs Overview:
The programs lead to learners normally obtaining industrial skills certificates, diplomas or associate degrees that can serve as a basis to a career, or an enhancement in any career discipline. The types of credentials offered may differ by the area of study and the institution offering the program.
Vocational courses are offered in various career fields, including health care, computer technology, office management, food preparation and skilled trades.
Vocational Institutions in East Africa:
There are various institutions in East Africa that offer vocational training. Below is a list of a few of these training providers in Tanzania and Kenya. Please ensure you do a thorough research of the various institutions and the type of vocational trainings they provide to make an informed decision.
The below references can assist you to get a more detailed overview and examples of specific vocational courses.
https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/what-is-vocational-training/
https://study.com/vocational_courses.html
https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/vocational-training-programs-courses-list/
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Those who require further information on the above subject, please contact Africa Federation Education Board Secretariat by email: education@africafederation.org
SECRETARIAT
AFRICA FEDERATION EDUCATION BOARD