International students have a range of opportunities in vocational programs

Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and other geopolitical factors over the past year, vocational education providers remain confident that the future of the sector looks bright, with business on the up once again.

Overcoming the pandemic

Ben Garner at Cardiff and Vale College Group (CAVC) in Wales, says, “We are starting to see an increase in individual international learners expressing an interest in vocational programmes. There seems to be a shift to more ‘practical’ subject areas that ensures the learner is career ready at the end of the programme or has the relevant skills and qualification to progress to university study in a vocational or technical area. This is particularly true of China and other countries in the ASEAN region who are keen to make inroads into addressing skill deficit areas generated by rapid tech advances.”

However, for some markets there is still a reluctance from parents to enrol their child on a vocational programme, with many instead interested in an ‘academic’ programme such as A-levels, Ben adds.

Nadine Baladi, Vice-President of Canadian Operations at ILSC Education Group / ELS,  notes, “The increase in international student interest is borne out of a number of motivating factors. As a result of these positive trends, we are expecting to welcome about 35 per cent more students into our Canadian Greystone Colleges than we did in 2019.”

New developments

New developments at colleges and schools offering vocational programmes, including new or improved course options, have helped providers garner increased interest from international students over the past year.

Kayla Briel, Associate Director at Global University Systems, says, “From starting our first vocational college Toronto School of Management (TSoM) in 2014 to becoming ST Star Vocational College finalists, we are extremely proud of our five career colleges in Canada: Trebas Institute, Niagara College Toronto, Canadian College of Technology, and Business, and the brand-new Fleming College Toronto. Our phenomenal growth is a reflection of the overwhelming demand for international talent in our destinations.

“This demand is exactly why we are constantly opening new intakes, launching new programmes, and signing new partnerships. We consistently see triple-digit growth, every year, including throughout Covid-19.”

Dr Mark Cunnington, Chief Learning Experience Officer at Study Group , which offers vocational courses in subjects including Accounting, Engineering and Medicine, notes, “We have certainly adapted these courses to cater for international students. Propelled by the pandemic, we have integrated digital innovation into all of our courses through our in-house online education provider, insendi. Our in-depth digital education expertise and insendi platform enable us to deliver intuitive and accessible online and blended learning experiences.”

Student pathways

“Most of our graduates from the professional HF programme go on to the EHL BSc programme before entering their careers,” offers David Puser, Dean at EHL Swiss School of Tourism and Hospitality. “Those that do not are entering mid-level management positions in any of the diverse departments that hotels and restaurants have to offer. Some, of course, are going into related fields in the tourism sectors, or other areas such as luxury brand management, consulting, property development, etc. Most are returning home unless starting with an international chain and taking advantage of the opportunity to move around the world.”

Kayla at GUS adds, “Whether students choose to stay abroad or return home, we are levelling up communities worldwide when we send graduates out into the world. They’re equipped with practice-oriented skills, English language proficiency, and instruction from a global perspective. Plus, our pathway programmes ensure our students have defined opportunities to continue their higher education journeys if that’s what inspires them.

“Our career services departments ensure that our students find fulfilling employment and eligible applicants earn a Post Graduate Work Permit (PGWP) to gain international professional experience.”

Outlook for the sector

With increased business opportunities and softer travel restrictions now being seen across the globe as vocational programme providers look to a post-Covid future, many report a positive outlook for the sector.

Tarik sokmen at Seneca College in Toronto, Canada, says, “I believe study abroad is slightly shifting to ‘living abroad’. Because of wars, the pandemic and economics, most students are willing to move to G7 countries and build a stable life. They are not aiming to be rich or have a fancy life. They would like to see their future and have a more stable life.

“If the schools adopt tech and industrial improvements to programmes and work with Real HR companies, then yes the vocational market will be trendy for a long time,” he concludes.