Technical Education Around the World

This blog post initially appeared on Matthew Mann's website here.

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Vocational and technical education is being pushed in the forefront around the world once again. Technical education doesn’t require the amount of time that university degree programs require, but they can produce highly skilled workers with the skills that employers need. It’s a great choice for countries looking to improve their workforce and economic competitiveness.

Tanzania

Tanzania is working to increase the availability of technical education for its youth. They have look towards none other than Germany as their mentor to how vocational education can enhance its economy. Germany is the world’s leader in vocational education. The focus of the program is to provide opportunities for youth to get training in specific industries and occupations. They will utilize industry internships and apprenticeships to ensure that workers are skill ready.

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is finally opening up to the idea of vocational education as a positive career path for all students. They have removed roadblocks to students pursuing a vocational education in lieu of university. Students who choose to take a vocational education track will no longer be giving up the opportunity to go a university in the future. Students can leave the track devoted to high-pressure university exams and study a career instead.

The Philippines

The Philippines has recently extended their secondary schools from 4 years to 6 years of study and have incorporated vocational-technical courses within these additional two years. Understanding the importance of a highly trained workforce, they have increased the opportunity for skills training and have even worked to provide free college and vocational training to all students. They are also working with other Southeast Asian countries to build a system of better vocational training in the region.

Australia

On the other end of the spectrum, Australia is dealing with a reduction in vocational education opportunities. Funding is a problem in many tertiary institutions. This has caused a reduction in vocational education opportunities. In fact, funding for some programs have dropped as much as 20% and much of the funding drops haven’t been able to be covered through increased tuition. This has meant fewer vocational technical opportunities at a time where other countries are increasing their availability of training opportunities to meet a changing world economy.

United Kingdom

The UK has long grappled with issues in vocational education and the idea that vocational credentials are some kind of second-class qualification. Attitudes are changing and people are realizing that it’s a quality career credential. In fact, the UK has a national Post 16 Skills Plan focused on ensuring that there is training beyond secondary school. It calls for more apprenticeships and more opportunities for career training.

It’s clear that despite a few roadblocks, many countries around the world are embracing vocational-technical education opportunities. They see vocational education as an opportunity to provide education and skills that their economies need in order to get ahead.