{"id":354905,"date":"2016-04-04T11:01:45","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/education\/education-options\/vocational-education.html"},"modified":"2023-10-05T09:25:23","modified_gmt":"2023-10-05T14:25:23","slug":"vocational-education","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/education\/education-options\/vocational-education.html","title":{"rendered":"Vocational Education"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Vocational Education<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Vocational schools are also known as trade schools. These schools offer career and technical education (CTE) certifications. They equip learners with practical skills necessary for specific occupations.<\/p>\r\n

Unlike a four-year college, trade schools offer programs aimed at immediate market needs. These schools significantly reduce the school years required for employment. They often lead to an associate’s degree, certifications, or college credits.<\/p>\r\n

This article discusses vocational schools in America generally.<\/p>\r\n

General Information About Vocational Schools<\/h2>\r\n

Rather than providing a generalized education, vocational education trains students for jobs. Examples of these jobs are auto mechanics, cosmetologists, and medical assistants. Trade schools often offer on-the-job training in these fields through apprenticeships and internships.<\/p>\r\n

Many European countries have added trade schools to their education plans. They are considered viable and respectable career options for students. In the United States, trade schools are often stigmatized. However, vocational schooling can lead to a fulfilling, specialized career for many students. There are many job opportunities for graduates of vocational programs.<\/p>\r\n

Regulation of Vocational Schools<\/h2>\r\n

The Department of Education<\/a> regulates vocational schools nationwide. The Department imposes specific standards. One key element of the regulation is accreditation<\/a>. This is a validation process that ensures that the school programs meet particular requirements. Validation ensures that the coursework provided by the schools meets industry standards. This helps ensure the learners are ready for the labor market upon graduation.<\/p>\r\n

Like most schools and colleges, the state usually regulates vocational schools. Some states impose graduation or teaching requirements on trade schools. They may also require a minimum number of hours of supervised practice before allowing a student to graduate.<\/p>\r\n

Many of the professions taught at trade schools are regulated by the state. Regulations are made through license requirements. Many jobs require licenses to do business legally. Examples of these jobs include cosmetologists, private security officers, and mortuary service technicians. States often regulate these professions by imposing additional requirements which may include:<\/p>\r\n