Why Companies Prefer Vocational And Online Training To Reduce The Skills Gap

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Is vocational training necessary for you? Should you opt for college or will vocational training help you make a better career? Or is it better to study online and gain experience? Many students like you are now wondering the same things as the Obama administration is gearing up to offer German-style apprenticeship programmes to help the American manufacturing sector. However, this is only proving to be partially successful as mostly Germany based companies and other non-American firms are showing interest. 

Can German-Style Apprenticeship Programmes Be Helpful?

 

Programmes like Apprenticeship 2000 in North Carolina aim to offer you vocational training by combining on-the-job training and classroom teaching. This programme has attracted a number of German firms, but has only drawn two U.S. companies (Timken Co. and Ameritech Die & Mold Inc.) till now. Moreover, around 75 per cent of the participants of the German model in Michigan are companies from abroad, mainly Germany. 

The truth is U.S. governors and the White House are now striving hard to battle the skills gap in American workers. Most companies claim that the gap is a result of slow recovery of the labour market. Even though numerous US graduates are searching for jobs, several employers are complaining that they can’t find the right candidates with the right skills. Hence many vacancies are remaining unfilled even when young Americans are unemployed. 

So What Can Be Done To Counter This Situation?

 

Experts believe that the German apprenticeship system might be the solution we are looking for. Robert Lerman, Economics Professor at American University, said “Vocational training is a well-recognized career in Germany that offers good income opportunities, whereas in the U.S. it is often associated with people who did poor at high school.”

In the US, workers are usually recruited and then trained to help them gain company specific skills. However, the German vocational training model will require you to invest 3 years and you will earn a much more extensive qualification that does not focus only on the requirements of one employer. 

Is On-The-Job Training The Solution?

 

As an apprentice, you will have to spend 3-4 days per week and attend the doing on-the-job training, which will be sponsored by the companies, under the German model. You will be also required to take classes at your local public vocational schools the rest of the time. The entire curriculum of the programme is developed by the federal government, trade unions and employers' associations. 

However, experts believe that most American workers tend to avoid the model as educators and parents traditionally encourage young US students to go to college. Although most employers seek to recruit qualified candidates, many are reluctant to invest in new employees as they might resign from the position. Moreover the apprenticeship programmes conducted at community colleges usually concentrate on local interests. 

In this scenario, the success of the German model is highly uncertain due to the decentralised structure of the American education system. It is a real challenge for state governors and federal officials to set standards for all community colleges. 

What Can We Do Then?

 

As it is difficult to effectively implement the German vocational training system, one of the best options for companies as well as for students is to pursue online education. You can easily find a number accredited online undergraduate diploma programmes that will enable you to work full time or do an internship and allow you to earn a recognised qualification at the same time. 

Some business leaders worry that investing on training might turn out to be a poor investment. But online training programmes can prove to be a boon even for businesses. As online programmes are flexible and highly affordable, companies can encourage their workers to pursue undergraduate diploma programme online by sponsoring their education. This will enable the employees to receive quality training and acquire specific skills needed for the job. Moreover, as the students will be able to apply their knowledge immediately at the workplace, they will get a better understanding of how the business works. This will invoke a sense of loyalty among workers, encouraging them to stay in the company longer. 

Filling The Skills Gap

 

Online training programmes are best for both students and companies as it creates a win-win situation for both parties. It is undoubtedly one of the best tools that companies can use to deal with the existing skills gap and train their workers with the required skills. The German training model can prove to be beneficial in future, but right now online modes of learning and training are helping millions of students and numerous firms to significantly reduce the skills gap. 

What do you think is better for you? College or vocational training or online training? Feel free to add to the discussion by sharing your own views and opinions. 

Source: on.wsj.com/1pWAzZm