What academic program wanted more emphasis on academics rather than vocational training?

The academic program that historically wanted more emphasis on academics rather than vocational training is the liberal arts program. While the exact balance has shifted over time and varies between institutions, the core principle of a liberal arts education is to cultivate critical thinking, reasoning, and broad intellectual understanding, rather than solely focusing on specific job skills. This emphasis on foundational knowledge and intellectual development is what distinguishes it from vocational or professional training programs.