In some countries there are more young people choosing to enrol in work-based training instead of attending university. Do the advantages of this situation outweigh the disadvantages?

In some countries, more young people are opting for vocational training
instead
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of
university
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degrees. Given the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and shifting job markets, I believe the advantages of
this
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trend outweigh the disadvantages. On the one hand, work-based training provides faster, more secure employment in high-demand trades.
For example
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, electricians in Los Angeles can earn over $120,000 annually—often more than many
university
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graduates in oversaturated fields. Unlike a four-year degree that leaves students in debt, vocational programs offer hands-on skills and jobs within 1–2 years. My
neighbor’s
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neighbour’s
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son,
for instance
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, completed a plumbing apprenticeship at 19 and now earns a stable income
while
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his peers still search for entry-level office roles.
On the other hand
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, the push toward
university
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over the past two decades created a shortage of skilled manual workers. Meanwhile, AI is automating routine white-collar tasks in coding, accounting, and customer service.
While
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some fear
this
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eliminates jobs, it mainly affects repetitive roles, not entire professions. Society still needs innovators, doctors, and researchers—roles requiring advanced degrees.
However
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, not everyone is suited to academia, and forcing
university
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on all risks
unemployment
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of unemployment
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and dissatisfaction. In conclusion, the advantages—quick employability, financial stability, and meeting real
labor
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labour
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needs—clearly outweigh the drawbacks. Governments should support both pathways:
subsidized
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subsidised
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vocational training for immediate workforce needs and affordable
university
Use synonyms
access for long-term innovation.
This
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balanced approach ensures a resilient, skilled society.

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task response
The essay keeps a clear view. It talks well about the good side of work training and why it can be good. Add more on the other side so the view is fair.
evidence
Word Count

IELTS says that you should write a minimum of 250 words in writing task 2. If you go under word count you will lose marks in task response.

A very long essay will not give you a higher band score.

Aim for between 260 to 290 words in writing task 2. This will ensure a concise essay and will be realistic in terms of time management. You have only 40 minutes to write the essay and you need around 10 minutes of planning time, so you will not be able to write a long essay in 30 minutes.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • work-based training
  • enrol
  • university
  • advantages
  • disadvantages
  • practical skills
  • experience
  • workforce
  • employment
  • earnings
  • opportunities
  • further education
  • theoretical knowledge
  • career options
  • exploitation
  • balance
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