{"id":19746,"date":"2021-10-20T12:14:57","date_gmt":"2021-10-20T17:14:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/?p=19746"},"modified":"2024-06-26T16:43:35","modified_gmt":"2024-06-26T21:43:35","slug":"the-pros-and-cons-of-vocational-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.escoffier.edu\/blog\/value-of-culinary-education\/the-pros-and-cons-of-vocational-school\/","title":{"rendered":"The Pros and Cons of Vocational School: Is It Right For You?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Until the early 1990s, public high school students often had a variety of skills-based programs they could enroll in alongside their normal studies, like metalwork, woodshop, home economics, or automotive repair.1<\/sup><\/p>\n

Things have changed over the past three decades. Although there are still very valuable vocations taught at the high school level, many schools have shifted their focus from skills training to college preparation. Students who want to learn technical skills must now attend one of the 9,400 postsecondary schools that offer vocational programs, like community colleges, skills centers, and technical schools.2<\/sup><\/p>\n

This emphasis on college<\/a> left some students feeling that vocational training was somehow less valuable than a four-year degree. Unsurprisingly, the number of students pursuing technical training decreased.3<\/sup> But the popularity of these programs is back on an upswing. With over half of students feeling that a four-year degree is no longer worth what it costs, enrollment in technical and trade schools increased from 9.6 million in 1999 to 16 million in 2014.4<\/sup><\/p>\n

The truth is that the value of technical education is in how close it gets you to your goals. And a vocational program can be the perfect vehicle to move you closer to the career you want.<\/p>\n

The Pros of Attending a Vocational School<\/h2>\n

Finish Your Education Faster in Trade School<\/h3>\n

A skills-based program is usually shorter than a four-year degree. Diploma programs may take less than a year, while associate degree programs can generally be completed in one to two years<\/a>. This means that students can start making money sooner than their college-bound counterparts.<\/p>\n

Earlier earning potential is especially great news for older career changers who want to learn a new skill, but don\u2019t have four years to dedicate to a bachelor\u2019s degree!<\/p>\n\"Two\n

Vocational Training Is Often Flexible<\/h3>\n

Many modern programs are flexible, offering education to students who may not have the option of studying in a traditional program. These students may work full-time, or they could be older students returning to school after having families.<\/p>\n

Trade and vocational schools that offer classes on nights and weekends or online make training available to a large group of hardworking people who would otherwise be shut out of postsecondary education.<\/p>\n

\n

“I could not attend culinary school in person since the closest onsite school was a two-hour drive. I am proud of my ability to complete the [online] classes and assignments while working full-time, caring for loved ones, and participating in church events.”
\nSharon Watts, Online Culinary Arts Graduate<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n

Technical Programs Are Often Less Expensive Than a Four-Year Degree<\/h3>\n

Traditional college costs an average of three times as much as trade school.5<\/sup> So trade and technical school students may be able to complete their programs with less student loan debt<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Between less debt to repay and<\/em> entering the workforce sooner, trade school graduates can find themselves in a better financial position five or ten years out of school than those who get four-year degrees. This isn\u2019t always a deciding factor for some, but student loan debt should certainly be considered before making any decisions about pursuing further education.<\/p>\n\"Male\n

Vocational Programs May Have Lower GPA Requirements<\/h3>\n

There are many bright students who simply don\u2019t excel in courses that don\u2019t interest them. With a GPA deflated by grades in these low-interest classes, it can be difficult to get accepted to colleges that are hyper-focused on GPAs and standardized tests.<\/p>\n

Vocational programs often have lower GPA requirements<\/a> than traditional colleges. They know that a student\u2019s grade in World History has nothing to do with their potential to be great computer technicians or diesel mechanics, or pastry chef. So these schools can be a fantastic pathway for those who didn\u2019t do as well academically in classes outside of their interests.<\/p>\n

\n\t

\n\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t

The Essential Culinary Career Survey<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

The Essential Culinary Career Survey<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t

What's your ideal culinary career: Fine dining? Your own restaurant? Pastry? Get our self-evaluation survey to find out!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Academic\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

We\u2019ve compiled a checklist of all of the essential questions into one handy guide:<\/strong> career options, culinary interest surveys, educational opportunities, and more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYES, I want the survey!<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\"Academic\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t