These days more emphasis is being placed on university education. Vocational training is not encouraged, and thus there are few qualified trades people. To which extent do you agree or disagree?
The current emphasis of universities on imparting
academic disciplines has led to a profound analysis by various lobbies of
educationalists and economists about the impact of this on availability of
skilled trade specialists in labor pools. Some quote adverse effects, while
others quash this claim.
It is undeniable, as per many, that
today, it is hard to locate appropriate professionals, trained in specific
occupations. The reason for this is quite obvious: varsities have disassociated
themselves from the responsibility of
generating talent in specific trades, as many top-notch university
professionals feel that their objective is to impart knowledge, and not some
trade oriented program. This pushes students, pursuing courses at such venues,
to endlessly seek perfection in academic realm, and when they are through with
their studies, they end up confused, not knowing which occupation to join since
they are virtually unfit for any specialized trade. Similarly, companies are feeling
the pinch of not having being able to locate trade-ready people: most graduates
hold general degrees that are useless in the professional realms.
However, there are some who out -rightly
reject this opinion. There is a general feeling that if there is a dearth of
specialized trades personnel in the labor market, it is due to certain other
factors: the children are not simply interested in continuing studies after
high school. They feel that education being granted at universities is instead
preparing refined professionals who are capable of handling complex tasks in
their occupations. Even though the entry of fresh talent is delayed by a year
or two, the ones entering the market are quite capable and highly refined.
Hence, I feel, prioritizing academic
disciplines does not in any way has an effect on the availability of
trade-professionals, and whatever shortage is there, if any is due to other
factors.