-Shallot Mohutege
It is no secret that most Namibians look down upon people that have attended or are attending a vocational training college (VTC). Although it’s true that most people do not consider VTC as a first choice and rather the last resort, people should bear in mind that VTC, different as it may seem, leaves you with more skills rather than anything. VTC graduates leave equipped with much needed and skills and ability to enter the job market or create their own.
When most people think of vocational school, they don’t really picture themselves going there after completing their high school, this might be because of the hierarchy and how the education system is set up. Where people see Universities and Colleges (in some places) more prestigious than a vocational school or technicals. Maybe it’s also because of what kind of jobs they do at the end of the day, what kind of courses are being offered as well as the requirements needed to be admitted to a vocational school, perhaps these all play a role in how people view vocational schools.
Vocational training offers a wide range of courses such as brick laying, welding, plumbing, auto repair as well as retail among others. VTC allows students to get ready for specific careers
But what most people don’t know is; vocational schools have much bigger advantages then theoretical universities. Vocational schools offer more practical than theories, which would benefit you in the long run, especially when you start working, you would already have the necessary skills required, unlike someone from a university that offers more theories then practicals, unless of cause, you are doing the science field.
Moreover, most vocational schools also offer training and/or job attachments, so that as soon as you have completed your course, you would not spend time, years looking for job that may or may not come to you, especially with the current economic state we are facing. So apart from leaving VTC with skills, you also gain experience. And we all know how hard it is to get a job without a any experience.
With that being said, people should stop undermining vocational schools and start actually valuing these institutes. I mean sure they don’t do courses that are ‘prestigious’ such as law, medicine or accountancy but the jobs they create are just as necessary and important. VTC may not be your first choice after high school but it would be great if people started looking at vocational schools in a new light.
What are your thoughts?
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Main image from Valombola Vocational Training Centre!
