Search results

A total of 232 studies on the effects of participation in vocational education that were reported from 1968 through 1979 were analyzed. The studies were classified into more rigorous, less rigorous, and national studies, and were summarized within these groups. Studies of secondary and postsecondary programs were reviewed separately. Focus on the analysis was on determining if there were consistent findings with regard to 17 selected employment, educational and training, and ancillary effects variables. These variables were employment/unemployment, occupation related to training, earnings, employee satisfaction, employer satisfaction, attitudes toward work, work habits, basic skill attainment, academic abilities, attendance and dropout, occupational skill attainment, continuing education, satisfaction with training, aspirations, attitudes and values, feelings of success, and citizenship. No difference in unemployment rates was found for vocational and nonvocational high school graduates. Postsecondary graduates generally had lower unemployment rates. Mixed results were reported for earnings, basic skill attainment, and academic abilities. Vocational students were satisfied with their training and reported feeling good about themselves. Fewer vocational graduates continued their education beyond the secondary level. Insufficient data were available concerning occupational skill attainment and dropout rates.