Wood and metal shop involves learning the skills that go into constructing materials by hand. Beginner courses often end with a student completing his own chair or desk, or another item of rudimentary design. More advanced classes in woodworking often lead to vocations such as construction, architecture or inspecting.
Training in office management and office assistance can prepare a student for work at a large number of firms. Office managing, or clerking, is considered an economically "safe" position, because a person trained to do the work can work in an office anywhere; there will always be a demand for filing and other related clerical tasks. Courses in this discipline also involve students gaining confidence in handling phone calls, and frequently multitasking.
In a world increasingly run by technology and computers, vocational courses in computer-related tasks are becoming more and more popular. Classes in vocational school include typing, word processing and education in the use of basic Microsoft Office programs such as Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher.
Many vocational schools also offer business courses of varying sorts, such as entrepreneurship or marketing. Related courses, such as workforce readiness, prepare students for a life of employment by teaching basic communication and learning skills. Courses such as Personal Commerce on the Internet serve as an introduction to the basics of efficiently using the worldwide web for personal and professional business practices.