Options for School-Leavers

This month, Teen Talk magazine has received many letters from secondary school students asking about the different options for school-leavers. We've talked to educational experts, and they think that young people should either continue their studies at a college or university or go to a vocational school.

* What are the two main options for school-leavers after secondary school?

• Start working or travel

• Continue studies at a college/university or attend a vocational school

• Take a gap year or start an internship

• Join the military or become an entrepreneur

Higher education is really for people who want formal learning in order to get an academic degree. If you are good at certain subjects and need a degree related to those subjects, then university is the right choice for you. Besides studying, university students also have the opportunity to live independently, make new friends, and join different clubs. Many students still manage to work part-time during their university years. In addition, college or university students usually have an advantage over students from vocational schools when it comes to further studies after a degree. They will also have broader career options and an advantage in the job market.

* Which of the following is true about university students?

• They focus only on hands-on experience.

• They generally study for 1-2 years before entering the workforce.

• They often have the opportunity to live independently and join clubs.

• University students do not have the chance to work part-time.

Higher education is really for people who want formal learning in order to get an academic degree. If you are good at certain subjects and need a degree related to those subjects, then university is the right choice for you. Besides studying, university students also have the opportunity to live independently, make new friends, and join different clubs. Many students still manage to work part-time during their university years. In addition, college or university students usually have an advantage over students from vocational schools when it comes to further studies after a degree. They will also have broader career options and an advantage in the job market.

*What is one of the advantages of having a university degree when it comes to further studies?

• University students often have no further study options.

• University students usually have a disadvantage in further studies.

• University students generally have an advantage in further studies.

• University students cannot pursue further studies.

If you are not interested in traditional academic subjects and want to work in a specific trade, then vocational education is the right choice for you. You will gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a specific job. In addition, a vocational school may also offer you an apprenticeship. This type of training not only provides students with hands-on experience, but also gives them wages to cover their living costs. Most importantly, vocational training is usually much shorter than a college or university course. After getting their vocational qualifications, graduates can immediately start work and earn a salary.

*What is a key difference between vocational education and university education?

• Vocational education is typically longer than university education.

• University education is usually shorter than vocational education.

• Vocational education is generally shorter than university education.

• There is no difference in the length of the two types of education.

If you are not interested in traditional academic subjects and want to work in a specific trade, then vocational education is the right choice for you. You will gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a specific job. In addition, a vocational school may also offer you an apprenticeship. This type of training not only provides students with hands-on experience, but also gives them wages to cover their living costs. Most importantly, vocational training is usually much shorter than a college or university course. After getting their vocational qualifications, graduates can immediately start work and earn a salary.

*What does vocational education mainly focus on?

• Learning theoretical subjects only.

• Gaining practical skills for a specific trade or job.

• Pursuing advanced academic degrees.

• Preparing for professional exams only.

If you are not interested in traditional academic subjects and want to work in a specific trade, then vocational education is the right choice for you. You will gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a specific job. In addition, a vocational school may also offer you an apprenticeship. This type of training not only provides students with hands-on experience, but also gives them wages to cover their living costs. Most importantly, vocational training is usually much shorter than a college or university course. After getting their vocational qualifications, graduates can immediately start work and earn a salary.

*What is an apprenticeship in vocational education?

• A type of academic exam taken after completing vocational school.

• Hands-on work experience while still learning, often with wages.

• A special university degree program.

• A part-time job outside of vocational studies.

If you are not interested in traditional academic subjects and want to work in a specific trade, then vocational education is the right choice for you. You will gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a specific job. In addition, a vocational school may also offer you an apprenticeship. This type of training not only provides students with hands-on experience, but also gives them wages to cover their living costs. Most importantly, vocational training is usually much shorter than a college or university course. After getting their vocational qualifications, graduates can immediately start work and earn a salary.

*How do vocational students benefit financially?

• They can borrow money for tuition fees.

• They receive wages during their apprenticeship or training.

• They are given scholarships that cover all their costs.

• They get part-time jobs unrelated to their training.

Which of the following is NOT typically a career path for vocational school graduates?

• Plumber

• Carpenter

• Lawyer

• Hairdresser

If you are not interested in traditional academic subjects and want to work in a specific trade, then vocational education is the right choice for you. You will gain the practical skills and knowledge necessary for a specific job. In addition, a vocational school may also offer you an apprenticeship. This type of training not only provides students with hands-on experience, but also gives them wages to cover their living costs. Most importantly, vocational training is usually much shorter than a college or university course. After getting their vocational qualifications, graduates can immediately start work and earn a salary.

*What is a major advantage of vocational training compared to university education?

• Vocational training takes longer to complete.

• Vocational training usually offers a broader range of career options.

• Vocational training is generally faster and more job-focused.

• Vocational training is more expensive than university education.

Higher education is really for people who want formal learning in order to get an academic degree. If you are good at certain subjects and need a degree related to those subjects, then university is the right choice for you. Besides studying, university students also have the opportunity to live independently, make new friends, and join different clubs. Many students still manage to work part-time during their university years. In addition, college or university students usually have an advantage over students from vocational schools when it comes to further studies after a degree. They will also have broader career options and an advantage in the job market.

*What is the synonym for 'job market' mentioned in the context of university graduates' prospects?

• Employment opportunities

• Job application process

• Work hours

• Career goals