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.

Vocational Education is Improving This School Year

This blog was originally posted on Matthew Mann's website here.

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With students heading back to school, it’s a great time to read the news as an educator. New developments in education and career options are usually rolled out at the start of the school year, as well as highlights from what’s working in the education sphere — and what isn’t. Below are three states that are changing the way education is being structured in West Virginia, New Jersey and Arkansas.

In West Virginia

“Seeing Hope for Flagging Economy, West Virginia Revamps Vocational Track” via The New York Times

In the heart of the United States’ rust belt lies West Virginia, a state typically known for its barren mountain landscape, poverty-stricken towns and the opioid crisis. As a state with such a bad reputation, what are schools to do with its children and the future of their economy?

Enter four high school teachers who are about to change the education sphere for students in West Virginia. Over the summer, these teachers attended a simulated-workplace summer training program at Marshall University that will help pave the way to a successful future for students. What’s a simulated-workplace, you may ask?

In this format of vocational schooling, students punch in and out of school, like a time clock you would see in a workplace. In addition, students are assigned professional roles in industries commonly seen in West Virginia, such as coal, health and fracking, and they’re given vacation days to use at their leisure!

In New Jersey

“Lawmakers call for major expansion of N.J.’s vo-tech schools” via NJ.com

According to some vocational schools in New Jersey, demand for enrollment is high but unfortunately, they have to turn away students. In an effort to bring their technical schools into the 21st century and beyond, schools are using their cash to make improvements to the curriculum.

Although this sounds like it could be a negative issue, it’s probably better for the long run. Not only does the state want to make sure students are fully equipped with the skills they need, but they want to train more students to work in manufacturing and bio-tech — two fields that are expected to grow in the future.

In Arkansas

“Ark. Students Get Early Start on Career Planning” via EdWeek

At the conclusion of the last school year, 8th grade students at Wynne Junior High School participated in a “job shadow” day. Students were scattered all over town, shadowing veterinarians, doctors, farmers, police officers and more.

The state of Arkansas is hoping that giving kids this opportunity early in their education will encourage them to make better and clearer decisions about their future career path. Not only do schools organize job shadow days, but the state has college and career coaches on hand to some of their middle and high schools. These coaches work with students to craft college and career plans that will empower them to make more informed decisions about their future.