Too much emphasis is placed on going to university for further studies. People should be encouraged to go for vocational training, because there is a lack of qualified people for posts such as electricians, plumbers etc. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It goes without saying that society always needs a skilled work force to function. Employees of different professions contribute differently to the thriving of the community, and therefore I disagree with the statement that vocational courses should be given any more weight than before.
The fact that many people deem it more important to take tertiary education than a vocational training program has resulted in a shortage of qualified workers. It is universally accepted that knowledge and qualifications gained from the university can help one to have a head start over other candidates when it comes to job hunting. In Vietnam, for instance, a majority of high school graduates are content to spend four to five years more studying at a university with the hope for a bright career ahead. This results in a lack of skilled manual workers such as plumbers and electricians in society.
However, if we encourage more people to become blue-collar workers, then there will be a shortage of white-collar workers who may otherwise create more wealth for society. For example, fewer engineers would mean lower productivity; a dearth of scientists may inhibit scientific discoveries which can provide us with a better life in the future. In contrast, those doing blue-collar jobs may face redundancy when too many applicants competing for the same position. An unbalanced workforce might, therefore, hold society back from development in the long term.
In conclusion, the work force will adjust itself to cater for the need of the community, so there is no need to direct young people to follow a particular career path.
