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What Are the Different Types of Adult Vocational Training?

Lori Kilchermann
Lori Kilchermann

Adult vocational training prepares an adult to pursue a vocation or job. Welding, computer sciences and culinary arts are all vocations that can be trained for at the adult level. Other popular adult vocational training courses are medical billing and assistant, office skills and professional health care worker, and many of these training programs qualify for loans and assistance in many areas of the world. Roles such as cosmetologist, dental assistant and pharmacy technician are all vocations covered by the adult training field. Floral design, restaurant manager and truck driver are skills and careers that can be obtained through attending a quality adult vocational training program.

Unlike a typical college background that educates students in a wide area of knowledge, adult vocational training adheres specifically to the requirements of a single aspect or skill to provide the required knowledge to begin a career in that field. In many cases, the students attending adult vocational training need not have a high-school diploma. The training is commonly seen as an alternative to working an entry-level job that has no promise of advancement. Students typically receive a certificate of completion upon graduating the training and are prepared to enter the workforce as trained specialists.

Adult vocational training can include the culinary arts.
Adult vocational training can include the culinary arts.

Many adult students enter adult vocational training in order to pursue a dream of owning their own business. Cosmetology and welding are two fields in which an adult can begin a home-operated business with little overhead. These businesses can quickly develop into a larger interest, requiring an off-site location capable of employing other workers. Other vocational training, such as floral design and culinary arts, can be obtained to both begin a career in the field as well as to simply enjoy and practice the mastered skills around the home. Other vocational fields, such as truck driving, can be a means for the adult student to seek adventure and see more of the world.

A computer support specialist may train unemployed people to use computers more efficiently in their job search.
A computer support specialist may train unemployed people to use computers more efficiently in their job search.

Most vocations require a certification to allow a graduate to begin employment. Any adult vocational training program should be investigated to ensure that the program offers the proper certification once completed. Vocations, such as cosmetology and pharmacy, also require licensing in order to begin a career and the program must be accredited in order to provide this licensing in most areas. For many individuals, taking adult vocational training is a way to continue providing for a family in very difficult economic times.

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    • Adult vocational training can include the culinary arts.
      By: Christophe Fouquin
      Adult vocational training can include the culinary arts.
    • A computer support specialist may train unemployed people to use computers more efficiently in their job search.
      By: diego cervo
      A computer support specialist may train unemployed people to use computers more efficiently in their job search.