Vocational education programs have been around since the early 1900s, however, the idea has been around for much longer than that. Vocational education is defined as training in a specific vocation in industry, agriculture, or trade.

I am a graduate of Essex Technical High School in Hathorne, Massachusetts, a vocational and agricultural school for kids to explore different trades and find their passion. At this school, not only did I graduate with a high school diploma, but I also graduated with a certificate in Cosmetology and recieved my Massachusetts State License in Cosmetology.

Vocational schools have been highly looked down upon in our society. Years ago, they were looked at as a place for kids to go who weren't going to college and needed to learn a skill. However, what most people don't know is that vocational schools are actually the up and coming thing. They don't realize that you need to apply and have an interview just to get in, or that they are very strict on grades and attendance when looking at potential new students.

People think that if you go to a vocational school, you can't go to college, but you can. Many of my friends and fellow graduates are continuing their education at colleges all around the country. Vocational schools not only give you the opportunity to work in a trade that you love but also strive for academics.

Academics were always the main focus at the school I went to. To be placed into your "first choice shop," you had to have high grades in your academics as well as high grades in the trades you were studying. Vocational students take the same classes, including Honors and AP courses, just like you would at a "normal" high school.

By being a vocational student, you are opened up to many different opportunities. We meet many people in the industry we are focused on, and we are able to go on co-op, a program where vocational students are able to work in their field if they are in good academic standing. We are taught how to work with the public, which not many people know how to do this day in age. We are able to build a portfolio - trade and academic based - on all the work we have done in our high school career. The list of the wonderful things vocational schools do for you are endless.

Vocational schools help students do what they want to do, both in and outside of school, whether it be cosmetology, health assisting, plumbing, carpentry, masonry, etc. These programs are valuable, not only in producing skilled people of the future generations, but in providing a creative outlet for those who like hands-on activities. Vocational high schools offer plenty of opprotunities to all different types of students with all different types of learning styles.

So, if you're a student thinking about applying to a vocational school, or a parent hesitating to sign the papers, go for it. Be open minded about it. It's a wonderful opportunity to grow and learn about the "real world" before you graduate high school.