Dear Father... Dear Mother:

Your son and daughter are now at a crucial crossroads, and they must choose the educational and professional path for their lives. After completing the tenth grade, they can either continue academic secondary education (literary or scientific) or join vocational education and training institutions, such as industrial schools and various vocational centers.

What is Vocational Education and Training?

Vocational education and training aim to equip trained individuals to enter the labor market at professional and skilled levels. This is achieved through theoretical, practical, and field training in various forms. The labor market is considered a fundamental partner in vocational education and training, providing training opportunities for students before graduation to align the training with the needs of the labor market. Non-governmental vocational education and training institutions play a crucial role in offering these types of training, including industrial schools, which provide both directional and applied tracks, various vocational centers offering training through production, and apprenticeship systems.

The vocational education and training system is flexible and often provides opportunities for training development or further education.

Why Vocational Education and Training? What Does It Offer to My Son/Daughter?

• Did you know that vocational education and training provide job opportunities for youth, especially when unemployment rates are high among them?
• Studying both theoretically and practically in vocational training centers and industrial schools allows for entry into the job market.
• Many employers in the job market prefer hiring vocational graduates and distinguish them from those without qualification. In many cases, they struggle to find a sufficient number of qualified graduates.
• Vocational education and training offer opportunities in various specialties across multiple fields, such as electronics, telecommunications, secretarial work, arts and crafts, hospitality, graphic design, information technology, construction, carpentry, automotive mechanics, and more.
• Training provides the necessary skills for students to start their own projects after graduation and gain years of work experience.

Is Vocational Education and Training Suitable for Girls?

Certainly, yes. Many girls receive vocational education and training and find suitable job opportunities in various fields. There are numerous specialties available for girls, including electronics, communications, secretarial work, arts and crafts, hospitality, graphic design, information technology, and more. Studies confirm that vocational education and training provide higher employment opportunities and encourage students to establish their own businesses.

Is Vocational Education and Training Suitable for Individuals with Special Needs?

Absolutely, yes. Many individuals with special needs receive vocational education and training, finding suitable job opportunities. Various vocational education and training institutions offer training in different specialties based on the type of disability. There are diverse specialties available for individuals with special needs in fields such as electronics, communications, secretarial work, arts and crafts, hospitality, graphic design, information technology, and more.

How Can I Help My Son/Daughter Choose Their Path?

Help your child explore their interests, abilities, and personality without imposing decisions on them. Encourage them to understand themselves and explore various professions, specialties, and institutions. Follow these steps:

1. Assist your child by supporting and understanding them without forcing decisions.
2. Advise your child to take the necessary tests.
3. Explore different professions through the occupational list and job profile cards.
4. Familiarize yourself with institutions offering these specialties using the job profile cards.
5. Contact or visit these institutions to learn more about them and the professions they offer.