Are you wondering what your next career step should be? You may be considering higher education to gain a more in-depth understanding of your specialisation. Or maybe, you are considering utilising your skills through a hands-on approach in vocational education. Whatever it is, this is going to be one of the most important decisions you will make for your career.
So, how do you know which option is best for you? How can you choose what is best for you if both educational providers offer the same amount of skill enhancement? Remember that everything is unique, and educational institutions are no exception to this universal truth.
The key here is to understand the uniqueness between the two, such as their nature and differences. Let us begin by defining both.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Vs. Higher Education
Vocational Education and Training
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is intended to assist you in acquiring the necessary skills for your job. In other words, it is more of a hands-on learning experience that will prepare you for the actual type of work. It is not about knowing the facts about the nature of your course but about how you can competently demonstrate the skill required for your practice.
For example, suppose you want to learn how to repair cars (automotive repair course). It is already given that you will demonstrate mastery and competency in your job function by the end of the training.
Higher Education
Higher Education is a type of tertiary education that takes place in established educational institutions. It places a premium on theory and critical thinking skills over skill-based competency in VET courses. It is usually required to have an academic focus, such as courses for doctors, teachers, lawyers, etc. This is where specialised bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral-level courses are recognised.
How to Know You Are on the Right Path
Now that you’ve learned the distinctions between vocational and higher education, it’s time to learn about the factors that will help you decide which education is best for you. And if you notice that all the signs on your checklist are present, then CONGRATULATIONS. You’ve chosen the right career path to undertake!
2 Signs to Consider Vocational Education
These signs indicate that vocational education and training might be the best path for you:
Sign #1: Experiential Learning
If you dislike traditional learning methods such as reading, writing, memorising, etc., then a hands-on approach to learning is best for you. But what exactly does this mean?
It is a method of learning by doing. In other words, you will be able to immerse yourself in the skill-based learning environment and apply what you have learned in real-life situations.
Thus, it is safe to say that VET is the right path for you if you want to participate in activities rather than passively focusing on academic achievement.
Sign #2: Flexible and Time-Oriented
When it comes to studying, you want something adaptable to your daily schedule. Just think about juggling raising a family while working on your bachelor’s degree; it is somehow frustrating. And that’s understandable. Thus, VET is the way to go if you are short on time but still want to advance your career.
VET allows you to gain practical skills and knowledge relevant to the industry you want to work in. The same goal is true for Campus Search. We provide short upskill durations for the courses we offer so that you can continue to work on your other priorities while studying with us.
With this flexibility, you can still obtain nationally recognised training credentials that you can use to demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
2 Signs to Consider Higher Education
Do you wonder if higher education is the one for you? If you answered yes, here are some signs that Higher Education is suitable for you:
Sign #1: Degree Requirement
A degree is required if you want to be a registered professional, and it is the bare minimum for becoming a licenced professional. So, if your chosen career path, such as a lawyer, requires a degree holder in the workplace, you should follow the path of higher education.
In that sense, choosing the right course for you is imperative to set yourself up for the correct academic placement quickly. Are you willing to take long years of study or not? Does your chosen course need a degree holder to have an edge in the workplace or not?
Sign #2: University Learning
Higher education courses allow you to collaborate with your peers and professors to grasp the concept of the topic at hand. Thus, if you value class contributions, higher education may be a good fit for you.
Furthermore, if you want to pursue a career specialisation, such as law or medicine, you must pursue additional studies to earn the necessary qualifications.
Are you still deciding on your career path?
Don’t fret! Campus Search is here to assist you in pursuing your chosen career path. We can help you whether you want to pursue vocational education or higher education. We only want what is best for you as a reputable education and migration agency.
Contact Campus Search and learn how your initial qualifications might suit your vocational education and training or higher education pathway.