VOCATIONAL SURVEY:

Since the aim of Vocational Education is to provide education and training for acquiring positive attitudes to work, practical skills, understanding and knowledge relating to occupations in various sectors of economic and social life, linking education and training with the economic life of the society is a necessity and this link should from the basis for appropriate course design. The course and duration should depend upon the depth of knowledge, the level of skills and competencies needed for wage employment and self-employment.

To identify vocational needs of a district or state and to prepare a plan for education and training in vocations relevant to the needs, socio-economic and occupational survey should be carried out. The survey should include information about the following among others:-

1. Employment opportunities in existing as well as emerging occupations and the types and levels of skills needed in them.
2. Manpower requirements for various occupations.
3.Out turn of candidates at the Matriculation stage.
4. Infrastructural facilities available in the existing institutions, for introducing Vocational Courses.
5. Identification of coordinating institutions.

As happen elsewhere in the Country, Andhra Pradesh had also implemented Vocationalisation scheme without conducting occupational surveys and started courses on arbitrary considerations. Since, then surveys were carried out in ten districts and the reports are under preparation. The survey in other districts is expected to be completed soon.

The survey should be time bound and should be conducted periodically to make vocational education relevant to the needs of the society.

On the basis of the district vocational surveys it may be necessary to review the existing courses. The selection of Institutions and courses to be offered in future should be made strictly on the basis of that vocational survey.

VOCATIONAL GUIDENCE AND COUNSELLING CONCEPT OF VOCATIONAL GUIDENCE AND COUNSELLING

Guidance can be defined as the process of helping individuals to understand themselves and their world. It is the assistance given to individuals in making intelligent choices and adjustments. It is based on the beliefs that the ability to make such intelligent choices is not innate but like other abilities must be developed.

OBJECTIVES OF GUIDANCE SERVICES AT VARIOUS EDUCATIONAL LEVELS

In Vocational Education: Although the objectives of guidance in secondary education also apply here but still guidance in vocational education play a significant role to achieve following objectives:

i) To help students in selecting appropriate vocational career.
ii) To get maximum results and also to utilise money and efforts invested in vocational programmes.
iii) To make the children realise their potential by providing education according to their educational expectations.
iv) To utilise maximum intellectual resources means fruitful and effective utilisation of talents.
v) To generate awareness among children, parents, and other community agencies about Vocational Education.
vi) To help vocational pass outs in future careers planning.

To assist in proper implementation of the programme of Vocationalisation of Education.