Choosing your career path is a big decision. For most people, getting a job after high school or making a mid-career pivot to a new industry requires a particular diploma or degree. However, you may have heard about people receiving on-the-job training instead. Knowing the difference between a vocational school and on-the-job training is essential. While vocational school prepares you for a career in an industry, on-the-job training typically just prepares you for a specific job role with one company. Here’s what you need to know when choosing between enrolling in vocational school and pursuing on-the-job training.
What Is a Vocational School?
A vocational school teaches students the knowledge and skills they need to enter specific career fields. Often called trade or technical schools, vocational schools are post-secondary institutions offering high school graduates’ diplomas and degree programs. Vocational school programs are accelerated because they teach students career-focused skills in as little as one to two years. While students do engage in book learning, the emphasis is focused on hands-on training with instructors who are experts in their fields.
Diploma programs create skilled, competent graduates who are hirable in their fields. To demonstrate competency, students are tested using comprehensive exams and demonstrations. One of the most significant benefits of attending vocational school is that students can do “real world” work in real scenarios under the careful supervision of instructors.
Hands-On Training vs On-The-Job Training
While vocational schools offer hands-on training that equates to real-world experience, it shouldn’t be confused with on-the-job training. People who choose to enter careers using on-the-job training forgo a diploma or degree in favor of employer-based training. There’s great value in being able to learn “on the job” because this creates an immersive learning experience. However, it can also come with lots of pressure.
Most people new to an industry won’t be able to access jobs that offer training without first obtaining a diploma from a vocational school. You may be wondering if you should try to find a job offering on-the-job training before considering enrolling in a vocational school. One of the best ways to make a decision is to compare the benefits and drawbacks of vocational school and on-the-job training.
What Is the Difference Between a Vocational School and Job Training?
When you obtain a diploma or degree in your chosen field from a vocational field, that diploma or degree is yours forever. It can be used to find a job, start your own business, or obtain certifications and licenses that can increase your salary potential. When you complete on-the-job training with a company, that training is specific to the job role you’ve been offered. Of course, many on-the-job skills obtained during your time with an employer can transfer to other companies or similar roles. However, the specificity of the training you receive can be limited.
Vocational School vs On-The-Job Training
Let’s talk about the choice between vocational school and job training. When students complete a vocational program, they are equipped to complete the full scope of job duties. For example, someone who studies to be a medical assistant or massage therapist will undergo extensive training to perform a wide range of duties. By comparison, a person who receives on-the-job training may only be responsible for a few core tasks. They may feel like they are pigeonholed into a specific task without any room for advancement. When they feel that they’ve outgrown their role, they may discover that they don’t have the training or diploma required to be promoted to the next level. They may also worry that their skills won’t transfer or be recognized when they want to apply for jobs outside their current employers.
Long-Term Commitment
Finding a job opportunity that promises to train you can be exciting if you don’t have experience. However, it’s essential to ensure you’re setting yourself up for a long-term career that allows you to change jobs, switch employers, and steadily grow your advancement potential. Of course, choosing vocational training requires a strong academic commitment. You’ll need to be dedicated to attending classes and studying.
The Ability for Career Advancement
In many cases, the ability to advance in your career after landing a job with on-the-job training is tied to legal requirements or industry norms. You don’t have to look any further than the examples of medical assistants or massage therapists mentioned above. These in-demand careers require training or certification because they are highly regulated. Even people who can land careers in fields they love using on-the-job training often find that they are passed over for promotions because employers are looking for professionals with the proper credentials for upper-level jobs.
Employers Want Highly Trained Professionals
It’s also important to note that on-the-job training opportunities are becoming increasingly rare. Some industries don’t offer apprenticeship programs designed to replace vocational training. Employers expect applicants to show up with their diploma before they can receive training. A diploma after completing a vocational program can give an applicant a significant advantage when searching for jobs. Additionally, vocational schools have job-placement programs that help graduates find jobs matching their skills and career goals. In many situations, local employers rely on these vocational schools to provide competent graduates who can enter entry-level roles.
The Licensing Issue: Skipping Vocational School Can Hold You Back
Vocational school is a steppingstone to a license or certification in specific fields. In many industries, completing an educational program is a prerequisite for sitting for state board exams, allowing you to be legally employable in specific job roles. For example, a massage therapist needs a special license that requires completing an educational program. Employers won’t be able to hire you for anything beyond a front-desk or assistant position unless you have that certification. For aspiring entrepreneurs, it’s important to know that certification is a legal requirement for opening a massage therapy clinic, salon, spa, or similar business.
Final Thoughts
A degree or diploma from a vocational school program can give a job applicant a significant advantage. Vocational programs combine traditional learning with hands-on, practical knowledge that can replace the need for on-the-job training. That means many graduates from vocational programs can step into professional roles after graduation. They also enjoy more room for growth and flexibility in their career. If you’re considering a new career, look at your long-term goals for stability and flexibility before deciding between attending a vocational program and pursuing opportunities offering on-the-job training.
Ready to learn more about vocational diploma and degree programs? Contact Gwinnett Colleges & Institute today.