October 22. 2005

(Educators)Vocational training has played an important role in the development of the national economics of many industrialized nations.

Nevertheless, circumstances change rapidly in market economies heading for the knowledge society of the future.

There was much less discussions about the purposes and effects of vocational training to youth and what young people could hope for.

I would like to concentrate on the importance of vocational training to youth.

First, the psychologist Maslow has pointed out that human beings have desires on five levels, with self-realization being the highest.

Secondly, training plays an important role in reforming the world of ideas and imaginations of young people about the meaning of work and its values.

Thirdly, learning and practicing vocational competencies on the job are both more important that the process of understanding theoretical concepts.

Fourthly, the attainment of improved standards of living can be regarded as the basic aim of lifelong learning.

Fifthly, establishing one's own identity is the most important task in the lig t of the young generation importance and meaning. In order to promote vocational training for youth, the following aspects deserve further considerations.

First, systemic and scientific research is needed about the desires, values and interests of youth as the main participants of vocational training. The results of this research work should be reflected in the process of planning, practice and evaluation of vocational training.

Secondly, we need more understanding and enlightening analyses concerning the desires of young people concerning various kinds of occupations that have a potential for high added value. This is important especially when we take into consideration that youth will remain economically active for a long time.

Thirdly, modern vocational training for youth requires a healthy general education base.