vocational
voh-KAY-shun-ul
/vəʊˈkeɪʃənl/
Relating to an occupation or employment; training in a specific skill or trade.
In prison contexts, vocational training is a key part of rehabilitation, teaching inmates skills like carpentry or coding.
The story behind the word. From the Latin 'vocare', meaning 'to call'. A 'vocation' was originally a 'calling' from God to join the priesthood. It later evolved to mean any career or trade one is 'called' to do.
Word relationships
- occupational: Occupational is broader; vocational specifically implies training for a specific job.
- academic: Academic training focuses on theory; vocational training focuses on practical skills.
Commonly confused with
- vacational: Vacational (rarely used) would relate to a vacation; vocational relates to a vocation (job).
Word family
- vocation (noun): A strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation.
Collocations
- vocational training
- vocational school
- vocational skills
Example sentences
- "The prison offers vocational training in automotive repair to help inmates find jobs after release." Education
- "He decided to attend a vocational school to become an electrician rather than going to a four-year university." Career
Memory hook
Think of your 'VOICE'. Your 'VOC-ation' is the job your 'VOICE' calls you to do. Job-related training.
When not to use
Don't use it for academic subjects like 'vocational philosophy'; it's for hands-on trades.
Fun facts
- Vocational programs in prisons have been shown to reduce recidivism by up to 43%.
Related words
Explore more words
vocation, experiential, profession, practical, specialized, pragmatic
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