Rethinking Vocational Education

Why a vocational education might be worth it

Perhaps the most depressing thing you’ll learn in microeconomics is the theory that your bachelor’s degree functions as little more than a signal to employers. The diploma matters—but most likely, the four years of all-nighters and 8 A.M. classes and mile-long financial aid forms didn’t fill you with all the knowledge you need for your job. And if you’re the average college student, that four-year bachelor’s degree plunged you $30,000 into debt.

Bachelor’s degrees aren’t meaningless, but they’re not cheap, neither are they the golden keys to money, happiness and fulfilling work. Which is why the integration of vocational and academic education is critical to weeding out the myriad woes of the U.S. education system.

Though widely accepted in Europe, vocational education in the U.S.—including elective classes in high schools, trade school programs and community colleges—has been slower to gain prominence as it shakes off a stigma that dichotomizes technical training from intellectual capabilities. These schools don’t come with Ivy-League bragging rights and have often been viewed as a sub-par alternative for students who don’t like math and books.