At a time when job opportunities are few and contenders many, it has become important to be the best at what you do. Lamya Karachiwala explores how you can achieve a unique skill set through vocation-specific courses
From times immemorial, medicine, engineering, chartered accountancy and law have been the favourite career options for students, teachers, parents and employers alike. One either had to pick one of these or consider their future doomed. Fortunately, our current education system offers a viable solution for students who do not want to go the science/commerce/arts way and are looking for means to turn their hobby into their occupation. Vocational courses allow individuals to gain knowledge and skills that are traditionally non-academic and focused on one particular trade or occupation. These courses help a student develop expertise in a particular field through equal emphasis on theoretical and practical knowledge. Most of these courses offer a diploma or certificate and can last from two months to two years, with the exception of some like hotel management, which offer a full-fledged degree. In our country, quite a few universities provide vocation-specific education.
If you are not one of those who have not figured out what to do with his/her life, you may want to consider one of these courses. However, two of the most important factors to keep in mind when deciding on a vocational career are the choice of course and choice of institution. You must check if they cater to your interests and requirements before plunging head-long into this mode of study.
THE BENEFITS
* Vocational courses enable the acquisition of job-specific skills
* These may be studied to satisfy interest in a certain field
* They last for a shorter duration of time
* Do not have stringent admission criteria
* Some of these courses can be taken online
* They encourage entrepreneurship among people
THE DISADVANTAGES
* They serve as an add-on
* Diplomas and certificates may not be enough to land a job
* The eligibility for most vocational courses is 10+2. Thus, science/commerce/arts must be studied after class 10
* They are not yet considered equivalent to traditional courses
* Job-specific skills may become obsolete sooner with changes in technology
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
What is it?
• Skill-based teaching
• Treats practical and theoretical knowledge equally
• Focuses on making students ‘job ready’
• Is considered less valuable, especially if a certificate or diploma
• May serve better as an add-on to a
When?
After class 10 (in case of some certificate courses) and class 12 How long?
Depending on the subject, it varies for a certificate, diploma and degree. It could be 2 months to 3 years long.
What qualification do I get in the end?
Depending on what you’ve opted for, you may acquire a certificate, diploma or degree at the end of your course.
Choose this if…
* You want to transform your hobby into your profession
* Getting a job is your priority
* You have less time to complete your education
* You want vocation-specific knowledge on a particular subject
* You want to start on your own
GENERAL EDUCATION
What is it?
• Concept-based teaching
• Gives greater importance to theory
• Focuses on providing broad knowledge of the chosen subjects
• Is considered more meritorious on its own
When?
After class 10 (in case of Diploma) and class 12
How long?
It varies depending on the subject but usually lasts for a minimum of 3 years.
What qualification do I get in the end?
In most cases, an individual receives a degree at the end of 3 years or a diploma if that’s what he/she has opted for.
Choose this if…
* You are interested in acquiring a broad skill set
* You are not sure of a major
* You have many interests and wish to explore them simultaneously
* You want to a more well-rounded education
Popular vocational courses
HOTEL MANAGEMENT AND TOURISM
In short: Teaches you the necessary skills to run a hotel or a tourism outfit.
Employment prospects: Is a crucial part of the hospitality industry, therefore has wide employment opportunities. There are multiple job profiles depending on the candidate’s education and work experience. However, in order to work in top level or middle-level management, one must have a degree in travel management.
Course criteria: 10+2 with 50% marks for the degree. Candidates who do not have 50% marks in +2 may do a diploma or certificate course in hotel management.
Popular institutes: Institute of Hotel Management (IHM), Mumbai; Institute of Advanced Management, Kolkata; Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development, New Delhi
INTERIOR DESIGNING
In short: The design of closed spaces at the planning stage, in collaboration with architects, to be functional and effective. Basic layout of space within a building, as well as arrangement of lighting, nature of acoustics, desired interior temperature, etc are domains of an interior designer.
Employment prospects: As the construction industry grows phenomenally with more demand for real estate, there is much scope for interior designers. They work with both architects and interior decorators, so jobs in architecture and decorating firms are available. Interior designers also freelance, as well as own their own company.
Course criteria: 10+2 for a degree; class 10 completion for a diploma or certificate
Popular institutes: Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai; National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad; Raffles Millennium International, Bangalore
ANIMATION
In short: Computer-aided dynamic graphics that is the backbone of such films as Shrek and Stuart Little.
Employment prospects: Animation is rapidly growing the world over. Despite its late entry in India, this industry is on the path of expansion and ready to experience a prolonged period of boom. Animators work as artists, designers, illustrators, etc in a number of animation styles – traditional, stop motion, 3D and even special effects (think green screens) for films, games and websites.
Course criteria: 10+2 from a recognised board with at least 45% marks for a diploma or degree. At present, a graduate degree in animation is not very prevalent in India. A Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) in art/design could serve as a stepping stone.
Popular institutes: Frameboxx Animation and Visual Effects, all over India; Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics (MAAC), all over India; Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai; MIT Institute of Design, Pune
COSMETOLOGY
In short: The study and practice of applying beauty treatments, including hairstyling, nail care, makeup application and more.
Employment prospects: The desire among people to look presentable is timeless which justifies the eternal presence of innumerable beauty parlours. From being an apprentice/assistant to a fullfledged beautician with one’s own business, there is plenty of scope, but also plenty of competition!
Course criteria: 10+2 from any stream
Popular institutes: Academy of Hair Styling, Mumbai; Shahnaz Husain International Beauty Academy, New Delhi; VLCC Institute, all over India
FILM AND MEDIA
In short: Any of the myriad roles available – direction, production, editing, acting, screenwriting, etc.
Employment prospects: The entertainment sector is exploding with opportunity. An individual may acquire a qualification in an area of his/her interest in order to get the desired job.
Course criteria: The eligibility criteria depend on the subject a student chooses to study. Broadly, a 10+2 is recommended. Degrees, diplomas and certificate courses are plenty.
Popular institutes: Whistling Woods International, Mumbai; Film and Television Institute of India, Pune; Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata
Volume 3 Issue 6
