An Investigation into Vocational Preferences among University Students: A Case Study of Lahore Pakistan

Abstract

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The preference for general academic degrees over technical education among youth in Pakistan is a trend that has been observed in recent years. This trend may be attributed to several factors, such as the perception that general academic degrees are more prestigious than technical education degrees, the belief that general academic degrees offer more diverse career opportunities and lack of awareness about the benefits of technical education. The preference for general academic degrees over technical education is not unique to Pakistan. This trend may be observed in many other countries as well. Therefore, the current study aimed to learn from student`s observations enrolled in general academic degrees to implement best practices in order to address this trend in Pakistan. A multifaceted approach was required to address the preference for general academic degrees over technical education among youth in Pakistan. This multifaceted approach focused on raising awareness, improving the quality of technical education programs, addressing the underlying factors, and learning from the experiences of other countries. Data was collected via a cross-sectional survey from the students of University of Management and Technology (UMT). The statistical results showed a significant association among low preference for technical education, preference for general university education, and preference for a white-collar job. Therefore, it was crucial to raise awareness regarding the benefits of technical education to address this trend. These benefits include development of practical skills, potential for higher earning, and alignment with the needs of labor market.