Vocational skills: What they are and how to develop them

When a hiring manager scans through your resume, they’re looking at more than just your experience.

They want to see that you have the soft and hard skills for the job. And in some cases, they’re also keeping an eye out for vocational skills: the practical, job-specific abilities that help you perform. Every industry and job role has a unique skill set, and possessing the right ones may be the difference between getting a call for a job interview or receiving a rejection letter. 

Whether you’re a high school student dreaming up your career path or ready for a mid-career change, understanding the basics of vocational skills can prepare you for a job role or industry. 

What are vocational skills? 

Vocational skills are the practical skills specific to a career, trade, or job role. You can typically acquire them through vocational or technical training programs or apprenticeships. But because they’re often hands-on, the best way to earn vocational skills is from on-the-job training and firsthand work experiences. 

You might associate vocational jobs with manual or hands-on labor, like the positions that carpenters, computer technicians, or electricians fill. But every profession has unique vocational skills. A professional building contractor knows about different HVAC systems, while a veterinarian can diagnose dogs with canine-specific symptoms. Those are both vocational.

Likewise, the definition of vocational skills doesn’t just consider technical and practical skills. Specific soft skills can also be a part of your toolbox, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. How you use those transferable skills will depend on your profession, which is part of what makes them vocational. 

A building contractor and veterinarian each flex their communication skills to break down jargon into clear instructions and explanations. But the contractor might fine-tune their negotiation tactics and conflict resolution skills to resolve gigs, whereas a good vet practices empathy and active listening to deliver important information to pet owners. Both people communicate, but in different ways based on their positions.

Identifying what vocational skills are important for your career is essential to continuous learning and professional growth. Prioritizing them will help you improve your performance and stay competitive. And if you’re finishing high school, completing your college education, or considering a career change, aligning your natural skill set to your career choice will help your resume stand out. 

What’s a vocational skill everyone needs to learn? Pre-vocational skills

Pre-vocational skills are the foundation that nearly everyone needs — like punctuality, communication, and work ethic — before moving on to more job-specific ones. They represent the life skills that help you meet daily expectations and interact efficiently with colleagues and clients. 

Regardless of your roles and responsibilities, these pre-vocational skills are important to have: 

1. Time management skills: No matter your job, you’re one part of a larger chain. Meeting deadlines and prioritizing tasks properly ensures you don’t block up the line and help your colleagues and clients reach their goals. 
2. Professionalism: Your work ethic, respect for others, and dedication to quality are the foundations of professionalism. A professional attitude bolsters team dynamics with a respectful atmosphere that encourages collaboration. 
3. Interpersonal skills: For client-facing and internal roles alike, how you interact and build relationships contributes to productivity and positivity in the workplace. 
4. Basic computer literacy: Most businesses are computer-based, which is probably why proficiency in Microsoft Excel is the most in-demand technical skill as of 2022. Luckily, many office applications share similar platform setups, meaning a proficiency in Google Workspace or Microsoft Office can help you transition into more task-specific platforms, like Quickbooks for accounting. 
5. Adaptability: Work isn’t always predictable, but your team depends on you to roll with the punches. Whether embracing new automation technologies or responding to a customer complaint, resilience and resourcefulness keep productivity moving and safeguard your team’s workflow. 

7 vocational jobs 

For a standout resume, you have to curate soft and hard skills according to every job posting’s requirements. But at the heart of your personal elevator pitch is showing off your vocational strengths, which tell a hiring manager you have what it takes to complete your basic day-to-day tasks. 

In-demand skills will vary from one job role to the next — especially as jobs digitalize and tasks automate. Here are the indispensables for seven different job roles, with vocational skill examples for each one.

Vocational jobs with an associate degree

An associate degree is a great option to earn vocational education and training without signing on for a four-year commitment. Here are a few in-demand jobs you can get with an associate degree:

1. Radiation therapist

Radiation therapists operate specialized machinery to deliver concentrated radiation therapy to treat cancer and tumors. Good radiation therapists are detail-oriented, ensuring they correctly position machinery, protect patients from unnecessary radiation exposure, and keep clear records to monitor progress. 

They should also have strong communication skills to explain treatments and work with patients, especially those having physical and emotional difficulties. And radiation therapists work on oncology teams, meaning they must also collaborate effectively with a team of doctors, nurses, and specialists. 

An associate degree is enough to enter the field, but you may need a state-specific certification to practice. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that radiation therapy is growing by an average rate of 6% between 2021 and 2031, with median annual earnings ranging from $81,000 to $121,000, depending on the facility. 

2. Health information technologists and medical registrars

Health information technologists and medical registrars consult with medical organizations and institutions to build and analyze clinical data.

Good technologists and registrars have strong attention to detail because they must evaluate data with a fine-toothed comb to make sound recommendations. In addition to vocational training, these professionals have to continuously study and stay up-to-date on emerging technologies. 

This field is expected to grow 17% from 2021–2031, according to the BLS. Pay varies widely and depends on institutional focus. Technologists and registrars report a median salary of $49,950 in hospitals and $77,290 working for scientific and technical services. And those who become medical managers earn a median of $101,340 annually. 

3. Web developers and digital designers

With specialized knowledge of programming languages and multimedia publishing tools, web developers and digital designers are responsible for building and maintaining websites. They straddle the line between problem-solving and creative vision, using their coding knowledge to bring a client's designs to life. 

There’s no single route to becoming a web developer or digital designer, as an outstanding portfolio is sometimes more valuable than formal education. However, vocational schooling with an associate degree can provide you with a base knowledge of HTML, Flash, JavaScript, and other programming tools. 

According to the BLS, web development and design are in high demand, with an above-average 23% growth expected from 2021–2031. Pay varies widely depending on your specialty, with advertising industries paying a median salary of $64,720 and software publishing paying $150,040. 

Vocational jobs with technical education

These labor-intensive jobs are most likely the vocational activities examples that first come to mind. The world will always need people who know carpentry, plumbing, and electricity — making these some of the jobs that won’t be automated. Here are a few in-demand careers you can start from apprenticeships, technical programs, or trade schools:

4. Carpenter

If you’re a math lover that enjoys working with your hands, carpenters balance a mix of trigonometry and physically intense work. While a high school equivalent like a GED is often enough to land a job, training courses in mechanical drawing, mathematics, and carpentry can help you with quicker job placement. 

Pay varies depending on location, experience, and specialty. According to the BLS, non-residential carpenters earn a median of $59,020 per year, and high earners make a median of more than $80,940 across specialties. 

5. Electrician

With their expansive knowledge of electric power, communications, and control systems, electricians install and maintain electric power systems. 

The list of vocational skills electricians employ goes on and on, from understanding how to read blueprints to using various tools and troubleshooting common problems. Many learn through on-site skills training in apprenticeship, but a technical school is also a good option. Just remember that some states require special licensing. 

Pay varies greatly depending on state, specialty, and union versus independent contracting work. According to the BLS, electricians make a median salary of $60,000, with top earners taking home $99,800. Electricians who work as line installers and repairers earn $78,310, with higher earners making more than $107,110. 

Vocational skills with a bachelor’s degree

If you’re interested in pursuing higher education with a four-year bachelor’s degree or beyond, every career path will require some vocational training. Here are a few jobs to consider:

6. Special education provider

Special education teachers work with children and adolescents with unique learning, mental, or physical disabilities. Skilled special education teachers practice patience, are highly adaptable, and have fine-tuned verbal and non-verbal communication skills. 

Most programs help you learn about different types of disabilities, techniques for teaching students with special needs, and other tools to build lesson plans and lead a diverse classroom. Some states may require a master’s degree for full certification. 

A bachelor’s degree in education and a minor in special education may be enough to enter the field, although hands-on vocational options can make you a more competitive candidate. According to the BLS, the median salary is $61,820, although top earners make a median salary of more than $100,040.

7. Data scientist

Data scientists build specialized algorithms and work with analysis software to transform raw, interconnected data into powerful, clear insights for their clients. Skilled data scientists are gifted communicators who use visual, written, and verbal capabilities to make data understandable and actionable. 

A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or computer science is a typical entry point. But some people choose to continue with higher education to specialize in a particular field, like finance, which can pay off when it comes to annual salaries. According to BLS, the median salary for data scientists is $100,910, while top earners make more than $167,040.

5 tips to improve vocational skills

Like all types of learning, improving your vocational skills is an ongoing process. Here are five ways to embrace a growth mindset and enhance your capabilities:

1. Choose the right trainer: Selecting the right coach or mentor can help you get the most out of your training, providing you with hands-on learning, moral support, and knowledge that comes with time and experience. This is often about recognizing your learning style and finding someone who motivates you in ways you naturally excel. 
2. Learn the fundamentals: Becoming an expert takes a mixture of time and consistency. You have a life of learning ahead of you, so develop a solid understanding of the basic skills before rushing into advanced techniques. Patience will strengthen your foundations and encourage better learning as you progress. 
3. Set goals: If you’re at the start of your journey, the list of vocational skills to learn may feel overwhelming. Setting SMART goals or building a long-term 10-year plan is a great strategy to break down the process and identify the building blocks of your learning process. For extra help, a career coach can help you set achievable, time-bound goals. 
4. Pay attention to your mistakes: You’re bound to make mistakes, especially when learning new skills. With the right mindset, failures are incredible learning opportunities. Learn to reflect on your mistakes, analyze what went wrong, and build a better understanding to do better next time.
5. Seek certifications: Licenses, certifications, and further education are great ways to become an expert and show hiring managers your commitment to your craft. Classes are also excellent places to network and seek new job opportunities. 

Vocational skills for job applications

Like any job search, the key to catching a hiring manager’s eye is to speak their language. And the job posting gives you all the information you need. 

Start by analyzing the skills and requirements in the job description, and tailor your skills and experiences on your resume accordingly. Here are some extra pointers for every step of the job-seeking process:

1. Resume: Your resume should have a dedicated skills section to list your vocational skills. If you’re a data scientist, this is where you list out the analysis programs you’re fluent in, and your work history section is an opportunity to make them come off the page with action verbs and results. You could say something like, “Employed machine-learning algorithms to develop a marketing strategy for a service that performed 125% over objectives.” 
2. Cover letter: Vocational skills evolve over time. Your cover letter is a space to show your growth and highlight your enthusiasm for the craft. When describing your experiences, share a small anecdote, like learning underneath a mentor or sharing how you found your vocation. It’ll add a personal touch and show off your personal motivation, which will stand out to hiring managers. 
3. Interview: Be ready to provide specific examples of how you’ve applied your vocational skills at work. Using the STAR method (situation, task, action, result) is a great way to weave a story that’s engaging, shows your ability to solve problems, and demonstrates your know-how. 

Become a true expert

The collection of vocational skills you acquire over the course of your career is like a tool chest. Whenever a challenge arises, you pull from your hard-earned proficiencies to solve problems and keep your workplace running smoothly. 

Now that you understand that every vocation has its own sought-after skill set, it’s time to do some self-reflection about your current abilities. Learning your strengths and weaknesses is the first step to creating a plan to improve, continuously learn, and remain competitive in your field.