THE ROLE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The objective of this article is to examine the role of vocational education in national development in terms of education management, economic promotion, local development, and preparation for the future career. This study finds that in a time of exponential technological change and a shortage of skilled labor, the role of vocational education in education management that focuses on vocational skills training and practical training is an education system that aims to produce labor with specialized skills and occupational capabilities that can respond to labor market demands and enter the industry to promote industrial growth and serve as a mechanism to drive the country's economy in the long term. In local development, the role of vocational education through vocational training, which is a short-term education both inside and outside the school for local development to reduce inequality in access to the local education system, which is consistent with the National Economic and Social Development Plan and the National Education Plan in reducing social inequality. For preparation for the future economy, the role of vocational education in terms of policy must support funding and equipment for vocational institutions to adjust to modern technology. Teachers must always research up-to-date knowledge and must develop their own skills to transfer new knowledge to students. As for students, they must develop themselves to be new-generation learners who use technology for lifelong learning.