Is vocational school a good idea?

SmithieandProud
Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:51:45 +0000

Not automatically. If you study English or American studies or comparative literature or medevial studies, it’s not automatically better or worse for a particular person than if you go to vocational school, which seems to be what you’re asking.

One thing that is better though is that a B.A. in almost any discipline can be applied to a wide variety of jobs in a wide variety of fields. Whereas if you have vocational training as a plumber/electrician/dental assistant/whatever you’re only going to be equipped to do that vocation. Which is fine if that’s what you want to do, but not always practical these days when the job market is looking for people with skills that can be applied to a wide variety of jobs. Should the need for electricians decline, you can’t really go out and find other work if your only training is being a master electrician. However, should you be an English major, strong communications skills backed up by a B.A. can take you whereever you want them to go.

Still, if being an electrician or a dental hygienist makes you happy or if it’s hte best avenue available to you for financial security, then by all means, go for it.