A Common Bias: Vocational Studies Are ‘Lesser’ Than Academic Studies

StudentPulse Team
November 23, 2022

A Common Bias: Vocational Studies Are ‘Lesser’ Than Academic Studies

Can you tell the difference between these two statements?

‘You’re attending this school? Good for you!’

‘You’re attending this school? Oh, (long pause) good for you.’

Both these statements may sound very similar but as any vocational student can tell you, there’s a world of difference contained in that long pause. In many societies, vocational studies are seen as lesser than academic studies, a last resort for students who couldn’t cut it in academics. However, not only is this view extremely narrow, it also results in vocational students feeling small and unworthy.

In Episode 6 of the StudentPulse podcast, we speak to Adam Thorp a 20-year old student and Chairperson of the Student Council at MBO Utrecht in the Netherlands, on how vocational students are viewed in society and what educational institutions can do to help change that.

Society’s prevailing views on vocational studies

When it comes to studies or jobs, the social status of a plumber or mechanic is often viewed as lesser when compared to their academic brethren. Somehow, people seem to think you’re automatically ‘better’ when you can operate a Powerpoint chart compared to a power tool. As Adam shares, this form of bias can be seen in actions, such as vocational students not being given equal access to student clubs, sororities and bars as compared to academic students. For instance, 80% of access to student clubs is reserved for academic students while the remaining 20% has to be shared between ex-students and vocational students.

Additionally, bias also often creeps up in conversation with people, and Adam shares that this can affect the mental well-being of a young person, making them feel inferior when comparing themselves to friends or even dating partners.

But like most forms of discrimination, people’s views are often colored by a lack of knowledge or understanding. In the case of vocational schools, people often aren’t exposed to the wonderful experiences and skills students can gain from vocational studies, as well as the value that they bring to society. Also what people don’t see is that in reality, vocational students often choose their field of study not because they’ve already failed at academics but simply because it’s a better fit for their personalities. Just like how we wouldn’t insist that a square peg should fit into a round hole or that a round is a better shape than square, we should also know that academics and vocational studies are both equally worthy options we can offer our youth to develop their individual strengths and skills.  

What can educational institutions do to slowly but surely shift society’s mindset?

Changing mindsets is never an easy task, and progress is often measured in years or generations rather than in weeks or months. This can feel daunting to many. But rather than feeling deterred by the length of the journey, we should instead focus on the steps we can take today:

  • First and foremost, provide vocational students with an amazing experience they can thrive in. Reputation and status should be built on a strong foundation. Therefore at its very core, educational institutions should aim to build a holistic student experience that their students can excel and thrive in. In doing so, vocational institutions should also feel free to take a leaf out of the playbook of academic institutions and enhance student experience where relevant, such as hosting an introduction week for incoming students to learn about their new city and its best student spots.
  • Be loud, out and proud. Adam believes that vocational institutions should also actively participate in events, parades and activities happening in their city to make their presence known to the city community. Adam shares that vocational schools should be proud of themselves and their students and not be afraid to let people know about it. For example, his school MBO Utrecht has a renowned music academy and famous alumni that he believes people should know about. When schools deliver a great experience and are proud of themselves and their students, in return, students will also feel proud to be part of their school. Over time, this will compound into a strong brand presence and a more positive perception of vocational studies.  

StudentPulse helps educational institutions build great student experience

By combining microsurveys with real-time data analytics, StudentPulse helps to improve student engagement and well-being by empowering students to actively participate in voicing their opinions and providing institutions with insights into necessary areas of improvement. For example, vocational schools can survey their students to learn how they view their current student experience and when new programmes are pioneered based on the insights received, educators can collect feedback to enable a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement aimed at creating the best student experience.

StudentPulse also works great to match students who may need support with access to the appropriate resources. For example, if students indicate that they are in a negative mental space, such as when they feel ashamed or lesser than others, StudentPulse can recognise that and quickly provide them with useful materials or point them towards making an appointment with a counsellor.

To learn more about StudentPulse and how it can help power up your students’ experience, reach out to our team here or click here to listen to the full version of our podcast with Adam on changing society’s mindset on vocational studies and improving student experience!