Palanivel, A. (2001). “Status of Vocational Passouts of Business and Commerce based Vocational Courses in India”. . Unpublished. ERIC, Education

The main objectives of the study are:

1.  To collect data regarding State-wise number of schools offering Business & Commerce based vocational courses.

2.    To find the status of vocational pass-outs of Business and Commerce based vocational courses.

3.    To identify the problems faced by the students while undergoing the courses and after its completion.

4.   To suggest remedial measures for student’s problems to the policy makers and implementing authorities.

The population of study consists of vocational pass out students of Business and Commerce based courses in three selected states- Haryana, Goa and Kerala.

Convenience sampling method was adopted in collecting primary data from the pass out students. One state each from North, Middle and South viz, Haryana, Goa and Kerala were selected for the study.

The sample size of the project is 336 vocational pass out students from three states Haryana, Goa and Kerala. Care has been taken to see to that representatives from both the sexes were included in the sample.

A structured questionnaire was used to collect necessary information from the students. Interview method was also used in few cases. The questionnaire was developed in the Working Group Meeting held at Department of Commerce, University of Delhi.

Method of Research: Descriptive research method was used for this study. The study covers the period from 1990 to 2001.

Data analysis was done applying simple statistical tools viz. Percentage, averages, ratios, tables and diagrams.

Less than fifty percent of sample students of Haryana and Kerala and more than fifty percent of Goa expressed that there was no difficulty while pursuing the vocational courses. All sample students of Haryana and Kerala answered this open ended question like what kind of difficulties they were faced while pursuing vocational course. But in Goa 30 percent of sample students did not answer this question.

Lack of proper practical training, non-availability of modern electronic typewriter, computers, Fax and other office equipments for practicals, improper maintenance of equipments, non-availability of full-time permanent teachers to teach various subjects of the course, lack of collaborative arrangements with industries for on-the-job training, lack of vocational guidance and counselling services, non-availability of instructional material in the regional language and un-revised curriculum which is not in tune with the job market requirements, were the difficulties expressed by the students while pursuing the vocational  course.

Difficulty in getting admission into higher studies, social-ill treatment, lack of proper guidance for self-employment, fear of inferiority complex, lengthy procedure and non-availability of apprenticeship training were the difficulties faced the students after completing the vocational course.

The concept of Production-cum-Service-cum-Training Centres (PTCs) were not introduced by the states in a systematic way.

Both On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Training are considered to be vital for the students in the collaborating organisations or establishments where hands on real work experiences can be gained. Through these training students can get exposure in dealing with their colleagues, subordinates, superiors, work culture, work ethics, latest technologies, skill developments etc.

The main objectives of Vocational Educational Programme is to prepare students for gainful employment especially for self employment in the unorganised sector. But from this study it is observed that in Goa nearly half of the students joined the vocational courses with the intention to go for higher education. Therefore, the State Government should guide the students regarding the purpose of vocational education and should provide necessary facilities for effective skill training of the Vocational Students.

Provision of vertical mobility especially to the students of Office Secretaryship/ Office Management students in the same area like Bachelors of Office Administration, Master of Office Administration with emphasis on Office Automation is necessary for the students who would like to pursue their higher studies in the related area. Due to non-availability of these opportunities to these students and some restrictions in getting admission into B.Com. courses, some of these students could join only BA which may not be very much useful to them in getting employment.

Keyword(s): Vocational Passouts, Business, Commerce, Vocational Courses.