Abstract:
Human civilization has grown through the ages as a result of its quest to transmit
knowledge and skills from generation to generation. Vocational education of an
informal nature dates back to earliest civilization. Craftsperson in metal, stone, wood,
cloth, leather and other materials used to train and impart vocational skills and
knowledge. This pattern of knowledge and skill transfer which began as family
tradition, extended to apprenticeship i.e. training under an expert.
India is a country where vocation has never been separate from education. A
deeper look into the history of education indicates that the first kind of education that
ever existed in any society was vocational education, though in the non-formal or
informal mode. Education has always been perceived beyond literacy and numeracy.
During ancient period, the education was imparted in the ashrams. The students lived
together from the age 5 -6 years till the Guru adjudged them fit for the responsibilities
of life. The education was wholesome, undemarcated into levels (primary, middle,
secondary or higher) or forms (academic, religious, moral, career oriented). Education
was related to life of pupils, bringing into focus the co-existence between education
and work. This age old process of transmitting knowledge and skills for various
occupations may be regarded as the precursor for the present concept of vocational
education.
