Technical Courses vs Academic Career Path – Which One’s Right for You?

It is known that students face a rather hard decision when they hit the ‘college crossroads’. Students can feel slightly anxious to the fact that they are narrowing their options and progressing forward in their educational journey. However what is clear is that students are faced with a decision, whether to carry on down the road of academic education – or go down the route of a technical vocational course. Indeed each path has its advantages, but every student must pick which is best for him or her. This article highlights what careers are more suited to each educational path, whilst highlighting the benefits and differences.

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What is a Vocational Course?

The actual word ‘vocational’ translates into ‘work-related’, so if you have a clear idea of what you would like to do – then perhaps a vocational course is for you. Research shows that around 62 percent of young people have an of what their dream job would be. A vocational course teaches students skills of a specific industry, instilling knowledge which will ultimately help them obtain a job in said industry.


Common Questions about Vocational Courses

Q.“I’m not very clever, should I pick a vocational course instead of Academic?”

A. This is one of the biggest, most silly myths of vocational courses. Vocational qualifications are worth just as much A-Levels, and some qualifications are worth just as much as University degrees. Vocational courses are simply not an ‘easier’ alternative to A levels.

Q. “Can I earn money at the same time as learning?”

A. Yes. When working within the construct of a vocational qualification you can earn money at the same time as learning – for learning is working. Also, according to the City & Guilds Vocational UK Rich List, 68% of the wealthiest people remain in the same industry that they took their vocational qualification in. This simply demonstrates that a vocational route can lead to great career achievements.

Q. “Am I restricting myself by choosing a vocational route? Will I have to do the same thing forever?’

A. No. Choosing a vocational course will grant you with a specific skill set, but in no way does it narrow your choices for picking different paths in the future. For example, university students often pick a career choice that is nothing to do with their degree.

What careers are suited to Vocational Courses?

In the contemporary field of education, vocational courses aren’t as specific as you may think. Yes, a specific career lends itself to a vocational course such as actor, chef, carpenter, electrician, bricklayer etc. ; but now the choices are wider, with courses such as construction, youth justice, policing, management and many more available. All of these are accompanied by a plethora of modern apprenticeships.

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Academic Courses

At the age of sixteen you can take the ‘academic route’ which is carried on from secondary school into sixth form or college. Most students pick around four or five subjects, which can pretty much cover the whole academic spectrum from physics to ancient history. 

With this type of learning you can still partake in a range of different learning, so one class could be in a workshop, another in a swimming pool and maybe one in a music room. Going to a college or sixth form enables you to stimulate your interest in just a few subjects – or maybe even learn something new. This path is perhaps ideal if you are unsure as to what you may want your career to be. 

In further education you will study for academic qualifications such as AS or A levels, whilst being able to take qualifications in Key Skills. The learning that you partake in is very similar to how you absorbed information in secondary school, but in a perhaps more relaxed environment. Tutors and teachers also seem to relax their approach with students in sixth form or college.

In conclusion, a decision regarding either Academic or Vocational education is down to which style of learning you prefer and if you have a clear idea of what you want your career to be. There are many people who feel itchy in a classroom, and don’t get on with the idea of sitting reading a book in a confined space – but that’s ok! There are plenty of adults who hate working in the office, and would prefer to be outside, working from home or even working around the World! Take some time on your decision, but remember you never narrow your career possibilities by taking either path; in life you can do anything if you put your mind to it.

About the Author: Sarah Dobbins has worked in recruitment since the age of 21. She currently specialises in placing candidates in business development and sales jobs.