A vocational industry unprepared by secondary education: A descriptive statistical analysis of the gap between high school and work

In response to increasing national concerns over the skills gap between high school graduates and industry requirements, a descriptive statistical study was conducted to evaluate the impact vocational education had on the transition from school to work. Survey data on vocational program activities at the secondary level were examined and compared vocational secondary school programs to those of comprehensive or regular schools. The data used for this study was collected by the National Center for Education Statistics and the Quality Education Data National Education Database. The results showed overall, that secondary vocational schools better prepared graduates for the work world than comprehensive schools. Vocational schools were more likely than comprehensive schools to develop or adopt skill competencies for at least one program offered. The likelihood of industry involvement in skill competency development was also greater for vocational schools than for comprehensive schools. Finally, vocational schools were more likely than comprehensive schools to offer programs that prepared students to earn skill certificates.