Until the 20th century, any vocational or technical training that took place was usually on-the-job training, according to the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. The federal government expanded funding for vocational education throughout the latter part of the 20th century. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, technical schools began to be added to vocational education after World War II, because of the need for specialized training for defense and industries due to the Cold War. Many times, vocational and technical education are held under the same roof, although the goals are a bit different.
Vocational education is training that encompasses both the skill set and the knowledge required for a particular job function (like Excel, or word processing) or a trade (such as plumbing). Technical education is defined by the Department of Education as education that provides individuals with content aligned relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for a career and provides technical skill proficiency. This is the easiest way to differentiate between the two: Vocational training usually focuses on practical knowledge -- such as keyboarding skills -- needed for a job. Technical education usually means working with computers and advanced technology.
Vocational education courses would include courses toward a specific skill set. According to the U.S. Department of Education Statistics, most communities have vocational courses for careers in nursing, welding, cosmetology, and commercial trucking, for example. In addition to standard courses offered in nearly all communities, some vocational courses vary according to region. For instance, in oil-producing states, there may be vocational classes in oilfield hydraulics. In coastal states, students may take courses in shipfitting or rigging. In agricultural states, there may be vocational classes in agriscience or animal husbandry.
Students in technical education programs, according to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education, could be taking courses in information technology, graphic design and illustration, Web design, computer assisted drafting, robotics and automation, or logistics, planning, and management systems. Jobs in the technical field include those in computer software design, transportation managers, nuclear power reactor operators, electric power distributor, and ship or train engineer. In contrast to vocational jobs, which may vary by location within the United States, because technical education courses rely mostly on computer technology, they are more mobile and can be offered in more localities.