Vocational and Career Tech Education in American High Schools: Enrolment and Careers

Vocational education is a large part of the high school curriculum, yet we have little understanding of what drives vocational enrollment or whether these courses help or harm early careers. This study examines curriculum choice, taking into account ability and preferences for academic and vocational work. 

Key Findings:

 

First, students positively sort into vocational courses, suggesting the belief that low ability students are funneled into vocational coursework is probably not  true. 

Second,  higher earnings were found among students taking more upper-level vocational courses – a nearly 2% wage premium for each additional year, yet we find no gain from introductory vocational courses. 

These results suggest (a) policies limiting students’ ability to take vocational courses may not be welfare enhancing, and (b) the benefits of vocational coursework accrue to those who focus on depth over breadth.