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Vocational education and training are traditionally non-academic forms of training that prepares trainees for skilled labour. The skilled learned via vocational education are those required to work in a specific job and industry. Most commonly it is a form of tertiary education, but there are school based options also.

Vocational education and training involves both classed based training through a Registered Training Organisation, such as TAFE, along with on-the-job training in a relevant workplace. Combining the two types of training arms trainees with the background theoretical knowledge with hands on, practical experience that prepares them for a professional career in that job.

If you are looking to improve your employability, test drive a career you are interested in and familiarise yourself with how the industry operated then you should definitely consider vocational education.

Apprenticeships and traineeships are common vocational education and training types, especially here in Australia. Both combine onsite and offsite training; they only differ in the types of jobs offered by each and the length of the training period. Typically, a full time traineeship goes for one to two years, whereas a full time apprenticeship goes for three to four years.

Today, vocational education offers a huge range of job opportunities. Apprenticeships are most commonly offered in trade related industries and jobs. Common apprenticeships include electrical apprenticeships, automotive apprenticeships, plumbing apprenticeships and engineering apprenticeships. Traineeships on the other hand are frequently offered in non-trade related fields. Common traineeships include business traineeships, retail traineeships and IT traineeships.

Another key part of all vocational education and training is that upon the successful completion of their training, apprentices and trainees receive a nationally recognised qualification. This qualification is mandatory to start a career in most fields.

The Australian government offers financial assistance to those who pursue vocational education. These programs help boost the economy as more people are capable of performing technical, highly skilled jobs such as plumbing, engineering and other jobs facing skills shortages.

Many who get vocational degrees are quickly employed after finishing their schooling. Because they have hands-on experience in their field throughout their education, they usually have the connections or the skills to have a job. This makes vocational education and training a good choice for people who want a guaranteed chance at having a job when they graduate.