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? - II - Ielts Essay

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?

 

Ielts Essay - Universities and tradesmen 

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.