It is said that knowledge is the key to success and that there is no age bar to gaining knowledge. So, whenever you get a chance to educate yourself in a particular skill, go for it. Vocational Courses are one of the means to get skilled in an area of your interest. But there are so many parameters you need to consider before you finalize a vocational course. There are number of vocational courses in the market running by many promising institutes. It can be a classroom course, online, part-time or by correspondence. So, which one to consider can be a tricky decision. Here are some basic tips for you if you are thinking about joining a vocational course:
I think first do the market research on the areas/skills that are going to be in demand in future. Research can be easily done through Internet, or magazines, newspapers. List down those skills. You can use Quora, Google, student forums, and Discussion Boards for research. If you already know which skill you want to learn or enhance, then skip the next two steps
Then, identify your interest areas out of the above list. It is important that you do not just go with the promising advertisements of great future and lucrative salaries. Jot down your area of interests
Next, sit down and prioritize the skills you are interested in. It is important to prioritize, so that you shortlist a few options
Now, find a person who can guide you personally, or with a prior experience in that skill. You can discuss your queries and your plan with your guide
Using above, now you finalize the course you want to peruse
Search for the institutes on Internet and other media that offer the vocational course you have decided to do. Make a list of these institutes. Always go for regular courses rather than correspondence as it gives you the best exposure
Once you make a list of institutes offering the course you want to do, prioritize them based on the reviews/ ratings/ feedback from others. It can be based on their fees, placement, curriculum, exposure, etc
I think above steps should help you choose the best vocational course.