How Vocational Courses After 12th Can Be A Gateway to Success

While traditional education steers students toward university degrees, there lies a world of opportunities in the realm of vocational education. Pursuing vocational courses after 12th is a smart move to get job-ready and build skills that will help in your chosen professional field. Vocational education prepares you for jobs related to a particular vocation/trade. Here is a brief look at your options after Class 12. 

Why Study Vocational Courses after 12th

Pursuing vocational courses after 12th comes with several advantages, including the following:

• The best vocational courses after 12th will help you focus on a specific trade/field with practical and hands-on learning and even apprenticeships or on-the-job training in some cases. 
• Vocational education is competency-based. This means that students are only awarded their certificates/qualifications after meeting certain standards and performing based on multiple criteria. It serves as a ready reckoner for employers. 
• Vocational education is often a good option for starting a particular vocation/career/trade swiftly after completing one’s basic education without having to undergo lengthy academic training. This helps enter the workforce faster or build up to higher qualifications in the future. 
• Students from different backgrounds and cultures can take up vocational training without having to spend as much as regular degree programs. 

List of Vocational Courses after 12th 

Here is a vocational courses list after 12th across several leading countries. 

Canada- 

• Agriculture
• Engineering Technology
• Broadcasting and Journalism
• Design
• Dental Hygiene
• Hospitality Management
• Information and communications technology

USA- 

• Health diagnostics (X-ray technician and other fields)
• Precision metal (fabricating, welding, etc.)
• Nursing
• Dental assisting
• Medical assisting
• Paralegal studies 

UK- 

• Catering and Hospitality 
• Animal Care
• Childcare, Health, and Social Care
• Engineering
• Construction 
• Hair and Beauty
• Travel and Tourism 

Australia- 

• Nursing
• Nutrition 
• Agribusiness
• Cyber Security 
• Data Management 
• International Hotel Management 
• Travel and Tourism 
• Interior Design 

Eligibility Criteria for Vocational Courses After 12th 

Here are the eligibility criteria for vocational courses after 12th across major countries. Do keep in mind that vocational training providers and institutions have varying entry requirements for different courses. Here are a few general criteria that may be applicable for these countries. 

USA- 

• Trade schools have minimum age requirements. This is usually 18 years for learners. 
• Candidates should have a high school diploma, GED, or proof of completion of any other recognized program. Some learners can also enroll with an alternative career pathway program by taking an approved skills test or specific course credits from providers. 
• Some trade schools may require proof of completion of standardized testing. 
• Some may also have entrance examinations for aspirants. 

Canada- 

• Every institution will have its own admission requirements. 
• Students should provide proof of French or English language competence. 
• TOEFL/IELTS/CEA/CAEL scores may be required for English-language colleges. 

UK- 

• Every educational institution will have its own criteria for required grades, depending on the course type and level. 
• Some institutions may require specific grades in GCSE or equivalent with scores in Maths and English Language/Literature. 

Australia- 

• Entry requirements vary across institutions, depending on the course. Some may require students to have completed a certain education level. 
• Basic numeracy and literacy tests may be necessary for entry in some cases. 
• Learners may also have to submit portfolios and go through interviews for more popular subjects. 
• Those not meeting entry requirements may apply for the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) which considers earlier life experience and work history. 
• International students should have approved student visas and meet English language requirements, along with possessing OSHC (overseas student health cover).