The Value of Vocational Education and Economic Development
The model UN Sustainable Development Goals for countries include more than 17 goals and these goals are critical to our world and countries that are a part of the UN. It fosters goals that deal with global issues to reduce poverty, inequality, and economic growth are just a few of the goals. How does a country address these goals that will have an impact on the population?
In this blog, we will address some of these SD Goals through vocational training to help countries address: 1) Poverty reduction 4) Quality education 5) Gender equality to empower women 8) Decent work/Economic Growth 9) Industry, Innovation & Infastructure.
What is Vocational Training?
Learning which aims to acquire knowledge, know-how, information, values, skills and competences – either job-specific or transversal – required in specific occupations or more broadly on the labor market. In Education and Development, Simon McGarth, UNESCO Chair for International Education and Development writes, professional education in contributing to the achievement of a number of SDGs is not inconsistent with a human capital approach, although it is also an important element of the capabilities approach to education. It should be noted that education can contribute to decrease in poverty and if education is free then it could create equality by allowing inclusivity for all to attend. Many countries have record low numbers of girls attending school. With less than 10% in some countries, and women being the sole income earners like in countries like Africa.Yet school is usually reserved for those that can pay and if they are a male student families will often times send them over a female. Having the option to attend a vocational program could more than double their earning potential. Lifting them out of poverty.
Why is it important?
Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is a unique forum where the governments of 37 democracies with market-based economies collaborate to develop policy standards to promote sustainable economic growth. The OECDestimated in 2019 that more than 41.8% of member countries participated in vocational education training programs.
UNESCO reports that 516 million who participated in vocational education training had reported seeing higher incomes for participants that enrolled and completed vocational training. Although there was some disparity of genders in some fields such as construction and engineering have been reported.
How can Vocational Educational Training solve some of the UN SDG problems?
Offering vocational education and training can help to alleviate poverty and give communities a skilled workforce. Allowing for people to lift out of poverty and contributing to the economy.
When people feel empowered they are more likely to participate in government issues and have a voice.
McGrath, also notes that “education is the foundation of Sustainable Development Goals
Investment in national training programs has just begun in these poorer countries, and success is uncertain because of continuing economic constraints. These patterns suggest that the level of economic development and the consequent size and dynamism of industrial employment have a powerful influence on the outcome of investments in vocational education and training Having countries see the value of vocational education and training on the economy and an impact on poverty could have long-term implications for greater development and investment for all. According to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, there are over 30 million jobs that pay an average of $55,000 a year and do not require a bachelor’s degree. With the rising cost of higher education, and students who are unable to financial cover the cost of a 4 year degree in California public university would be more than 25 thousand. One way students can invest in their futures without investing in a bachelor’s degree is through vocational education.
