vocational

The word “vocational” means relating to training for a specific trade or skill, rather than general academic study. In plain terms, training that teaches you a practical skill for a specific job.

Here is “vocational” used in a sentence: “He enrolled in a vocational course to become an electrician.”

“Vocational” is an adjective.

“Vocational” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.

Vocational education trains people in specific trades or skills, such as plumbing or nursing, with a direct focus on employment, while academic education emphasizes general study of subjects like history or science for broader intellectual development. Vocational programs are typically more hands-on and job-focused.

Examples include certificates or diplomas in fields like carpentry, cosmetology, welding, or automotive repair, all of which prepare students for a specific trade rather than a broad academic degree. These qualifications are often earned at vocational or technical colleges.

Not exactly: vocational training refers broadly to education aimed at a specific trade or skill, which can happen in a classroom or workshop setting, while an apprenticeship specifically combines paid on-the-job work with structured training under a skilled mentor. Apprenticeships are one common way to deliver vocational education.