subject: Vocational Qualifications Help Career Goals [print this page] People on the hunt for a new job should gain a professional vocational qualification as it will help them achieve their career goals.
Research by Home Learning College and recruitment website reed.co.uk revealed that the majority of job seekers thought that gaining a vocational qualification is a vital step in meeting long term professional aims.
The study discovered that 51 per cent of employees thought that a qualification was critical to gaining employment, while 84 per cent described it as essential or beneficial to their career development.
People looking to become tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians need to be aware that a proper sequence of approved and accredited NVQ learning must be undertaken before they can achieve an industry recognised qualification.
Potential electricians should research the City & Guilds NVQ 2330 Level 2 electrical courses and wannabe plumbers must investigate the City & Guilds NVQ 6129 level 2 plumbing courses as these are both required qualifications.
Existing plumbers and electricians may want to upskill and gain energy efficient qualifications through green energy courses as this is likely to widen their client base and improve their desirability.
Over a third of active job seekers have studied on vocational courses with the intention of enhancing their credentials, while 21 per cent gained a qualification in order to improve at their job.
Qualifications available after commercial gas courses and plumbing courses are also great for people looking for a new calling as ten per cent of respondents said they took a course to change career.
The study also found that a third of respondents said they would personally fund vocational courses like plumbing courses if they knew it would increase their chances of getting their ideal job such as a plumber.
Dave Snow, Home Learning College Academic Director, said: "The research shows that jobseekers are willing to invest in vocational study if they believe it will deliver the desired results.
"Within the competitive graduate market, professional vocational qualifications are a great way of identifying ambitious, motivated candidates who have continued to develop their knowledge and skills since leaving university."
Mr Snow went onto say that vocational courses are likely to grow in popularity as higher education institutions have their funding slashed and cut student numbers.
People interested in studying practical courses have been warned only to choose training centres which have been accredited by recognised industry organisations.
One way to investigate a training centre is to turn up unannounced and examine the facilities and services on offer.
