In some countries, there are more young people choosing to enrol in work-based training instead of attending university. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

Sample Response One

In recent years, an increasing number of young people in certain countries have been opting for job training over university enrollment. However, it is my firm belief that the disadvantages of choosing work over education outweigh the benefits.

One positive aspect of pursuing a job is the opportunity for young individuals to learn from real-world working situations. During on-the-job training, they are exposed to challenges and problems that are seldom encountered in a classroom setting, forcing them to develop problem-solving skills independently. While job training may offer this advantage, it also presents several drawbacks. To begin with, young people who forgo university education may miss out on acquiring a diverse range of fundamental skills. Universities provide a comprehensive curriculum that includes various subjects and compulsory skills, not only preparing students for their future careers but also equipping them with essential life skills. University students often possess a higher level of qualification, making them more appealing to potential employers. For instance, in some Thai universities, students are compelled to attend language courses during their first year, enhancing their linguistic capabilities.

Another drawback is that young individuals engaged in work may have fewer opportunities to form connections with individuals from diverse professional backgrounds. Unlike job trainees, university students have ample chances to build networks through classroom interactions, participation in clubs, and other extracurricular activities. These connections are not limited to peers pursuing similar careers, but rather encompass a broader spectrum of disciplines. For example, university sport clubs often consist of students from various faculties, offering a valuable platform for fostering meaningful relationships.

In conclusion, this essay firmly contends that the disadvantages of prioritizing work over university education clearly outweigh the benefits. Although some advantages, such as acquiring various skills and expanding social circles, may be associated with job training, the holistic development and opportunities offered by a university education are indispensable for a well-rounded and prosperous future.

 

Sample Response One

In recent years, there has been a growing trend among young adults where some opt for vocational training, while others choose to pursue higher education at universities. Clearly, individuals who choose vocational training can acquire specialized knowledge and practical skills while also earning an income from their work. However, a significant drawback of this path is the potential difficulty in securing promotions without a higher education degree from a university. In my perspective, despite the challenges faced in career advancement, undertaking on-the-job training remains highly advantageous compared to university education.

The foremost advantage of enrolling in apprenticeships lies in the fact that employers offer tailored training programs that align with the long-term career goals of young individuals. Undeniably, this presents a crucial opportunity for employees to acquire knowledge and skills that directly enhance their job performance, all without incurring additional expenses. For instance, in China, medical students are required to complete at least seven years of vocational training to become licensed doctors. Thus, on-the-job training stands as a vital process for young people to pursue their lifelong careers.

Conversely, one of the most significant disadvantages of opting for work-based training over higher education in universities is the potential hindrance in career progression within companies. Certain employers may prioritize promoting individuals with a higher educational background. For instance, research-intensive fields such as biological science often demand employees with at least a PhD degree to ensure they possess adequate research skills. As a result, attending university becomes a prerequisite in some high-tech domains.

In conclusion, while young individuals can gain practical and hands-on expertise through on-the-job training, they may encounter challenges in terms of career advancement. Nevertheless, from a career standpoint, I firmly believe that the experiences gained from receiving professional knowledge through vocational training outweigh the disadvantages.

 

Sample Response Three

A recent survey has shown that in certain countries, young people are increasingly favoring vocational training over acquiring theoretical knowledge through universities. This situation has both advantages and disadvantages, but this essay argues that the benefits of this significant shift outweigh the drawbacks.

To begin, let’s shed light on the advantages of choosing work-based training. First, modern employers often seek candidates with practical industrial experience, even for entry-level positions in the corporate sector. Moreover, the conventional teaching methodologies of graduate curricula can make it challenging for new graduates to secure employment and kick-start their careers. Conversely, industrial training programs are more focused on job roles and responsibilities, enabling participants to support their families upon program completion. Lastly, pursuing education from prestigious colleges often demands significant financial investment, leading many students to borrow money from banks, creating stressful situations for young individuals.

However, there are also a few disadvantages associated with opting for corporate training programs. For one, students enrolled in such programs may limit themselves to a single career option, missing out on the thrill of learning new subjects and exploring their full potential. Studies have shown that those engaged in industrial education often lack a broad knowledge base, which could hinder their future growth prospects. Nevertheless, it has been demonstrated that these individuals become experts in their specific working domains, rendering them formidable in their respective fields.

In conclusion, corporate sector training programs can outweigh university education if teaching approaches are modernized and students are offered hybrid courses that incorporate industrial experience alongside a diverse range of subjects to choose from. This way, young individuals can benefit from a well-rounded education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the professional world.

Sample Response Five

The rising trend among the younger generation indicates a greater inclination towards work training over pursuing university education. While young people can benefit from significant workplace experiences, they may encounter challenges related to inadequate knowledge and limited promotional prospects in the future. In my view, despite the delayed acquisition of experiences, young adults are better off with a longer period of university study.

The primary advantage of opting for work training is that students gain valuable life experiences, which can contribute to their personal development while some of their peers continue their studies at universities. Engaging in job training pushes individuals to step out of their comfort zones and into unconventional work environments, providing them with practical skills that can prove beneficial in the long run. For example, during a gap year, some students working as cashiers in supermarkets may find full-time employment in their chosen career fields, enabling them to earn money to support their personal expenses instead of spending more on university tuition.

However, individuals without higher education degrees such as master’s or bachelor’s may find it challenging to secure high-level promotions. Those who have received a higher education are more likely to be rewarded with better promotion prospects as they possess the knowledge and insights necessary to manage and lead teams effectively within a company. In contrast, individuals lacking a degree may struggle to handle urgent workplace issues, limiting their opportunities to attain higher salaries.

In conclusion, pursuing university education is crucial for those aspiring to secure higher salaries or positions. While job experiences hold importance for some, they can also pose obstacles to career development. Therefore, a more extended period of academic study better equips young adults for future success in the professional world.