Definition
Vocational training is a form of education that is practically oriented. Individuals who are enrolled in vocational training are learning skills specific to a particular occupation or job. These occupations tend to be manual jobs by nature and are in the mechanical arts or some other form of industry, agriculture, or trade. The education is less academically oriented with an emphasis upon practical skills and apprenticeship work. The students learn the trade by doing supervised work. Extensive practical experience is given in lieu of learning theory, technical knowledge, or following a liberal arts education.
Historical Background
The history of vocational training is as long as humans have been involved in organized activity for survival and commerce. The training of individuals was conducted by the family, tribe, or later by village members. Often, young children of impoverished families were put in the care of skilled craftsman or better educated individuals as a way of...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References and Readings
Assistive Technology Act of 2004, P.L. 108-364; 29 U.S.C 3001 et seq. Retrieved July 24 2011, from http://www2.ed.gov/programs/atsg/legislation.html
Baker, J. (2005). Preparing for life: The complete guide for transitioning to adulthood for those with Autism and Asperger’s syndrome. Arlington, TX: Future Horizons.
Barlow, M. (1976). 200 years of vocational education: 1776–1976; independent action, 1826–1876. American Vocational Journal, 51(5), 31–40.
Bennett, D. (2009). Thorkil Sonne: Recruit autistics. Wired Magazine 17(10); September 21, 2009. Retrieved October 5, 2009, from: http://www.wired.com/techbiz/people/magazine/17-10/ff_smartlist_sonne
Edmonds, G., & Beardon, L. (Eds.). (2008). Asperger syndrome and employment: Adults speak out about Asperger syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Freedman, S. (2010). Developing college skills in students with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. London: Jessica Kingsley.
Gerhardt, P. (2009). The current state of affairs for adults with autism (draft). Advancing Futures for Adults with Autism: Think Tank. January 21, 2009. New York.
Grandin, T., & Duffy, K. (2008). Developing talents: Careers for individuals with Asperger syndrome and high functioning autism. Overland Park, KS: Autism Asperger.
Kochhar-Bryant, C., Bassett, D. S., & Webb, K. W. (2009). Transition to post-secondary education for students with disabilities. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.
McDonnell, J., & Hardman, M. L. (2010). Successful transition programs: Pathways for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Starr, P. (1982). The social transformation of American medicine. New York: Basic Books.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (2011). Occupation outlook handbook 2011. Retrieved July, 24, 2011, from http://www.bls.gov/oco/
VanBergeijk, E. O., Klin, A., & Volkmar, F. (2008). Supporting more able students on the Autism spectrum: College and beyond. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38, 1359–1370.
Wehman, P. (2001). Life beyond the classroom: Transition strategies for young people with disabilities (3rd ed.). Baltimore: Paul H. Brookes.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this entry
Cite this entry
VanBergeijk, E. (2013). Vocational Training. In: Volkmar, F.R. (eds) Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_1814
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_1814
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1697-6
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1698-3
eBook Packages: Behavioral Science