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VOCATIONAL education and training (VET) can significantly benefit individuals and businesses, but it is not getting the traction and recognition needed to attract a large number of students, according to a new report from the City & Guilds Group.

The report explored the state of vocational education and training in South Africa, the UK, India and the United States. It highlights how VET can have a significant impact on economies across the world. For example, in the UK, a 10% increase in professional and technical skills over the next 10 years could increase the GDP by £163 billion by 2025.

In the UK and US, a 10 percentage point increase in the number of 16-18 year olds enrolled in vocational education could lead to a 1.5 percentage point reduction in youth unemployment.

In South Africa, the unemployment rate in 2013 was 25% five times the world average for unemployment. Youth unemployment, at 54%, was more than double the general rate.

Therefore increasing investment in VET could see significant returns for the economy.

Speaking about the research, Mike Dawe, the director of international at the City & Guilds Group, said: The report indicates that vocational education can help to fill skills gaps, boost productivity, enhance industries and increase employment all of which have a significant impact on individuals, businesses and the economy as a whole.

However, there is an ongoing challenge in South Africa, where vocational institutions and technical and vocational education and training colleges find it difficult to attract large numbers of students. People still see university study as the first prize and vocational options as second-choice at best or they don t even know what vocational options are out there.”

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