Education Vs Training...Which Should Comes First?

Education in its broadest sense is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character, or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills and values from one generation to another through institutions ~ extracted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Training refers to the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and competencies as a result of the teaching of vocational or practical skills and knowledge that relate to specific useful competencies. It forms the core of apprenticeships and provides the backbone of content at institutes of technology ~ extracted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Today, much emphasis has been put into training our labour workforce so as to ensure that we keep up with upcoming technologies. We also have been encouraged to upgrade our skills every now and then, so that we keep up with our ever-changing society. It is a fact that learning is an on-going process which never shall ceased in life; from the minute we enter this world till the day we depart.

However, an individual who is equipped with various skills and knowledge, yet without a 'good' character, will still be considered an empty shell.

With so many various courses in the current market, our people have indeed acquired much knowledge and skills. BUT take a look at our daily newspapers articles: more commuters are caught eating/drinking in trains, cheating cases/misusing of company funds committed by professionals, rising cases in sex engagement with the underage, elderly in homes neglected by family members, etc etc.; all these committed by our so-called knowledgeable people.

Is there any use to put so much emphasis in training when one lacks the basic sense in humanity; when one choose not to behave during times when they know they are not being judged; when one basically have no EQ or perhaps is unable even to create harmony within his family, when one doesn't bother how another feel etc..

It is important that a mind receives the basic (life) education before any other training is provided. As when a mind is physically and mentally 'weak', that is when aspiration turns to greed, and when greed turns to crimes.

Growing, Grooming the Degree-Holders...Have We Missed Out On Our 'UNDER'-Grads??

Today, the basic academic-route starts from:
Nursery > Kindergarten > Primary Sch > Secondary Sch > Poly / Pre-U / JCs > University ...

Many years back, the emphasis was for one to at least complete his 'O' levels. As society progress, achieving a Diploma-cert. becomes the criteria for a job-seeker, and now - most employers sets their minimum requirement (for job openings) to a Degree-holder (in any field).

In our pursuit to engaging better and more qualified pool of people, have we, in some way, missed out on our 'UNDER'-grads; the 'O-level'-holders, Diploma-holders, and the 'Non-Degree-Holders-But-With-Much-Experience' group.

Everyone is encouraged to keep on upgrading but sad to say, not everyone can afford either the $ or the time to. Our younger generations now have the benefits to pursue their studies all the way, without having to worry on course fees or financial burdens as this part has been well taken care of by their parents. In fact, most parents starts investing in educational savings as early as their child is one year of age, hence providing their children with a guaranteed education for as far as one can pursue; at least till one achieve a degree. So they are somehow blessed, compared to those older generations (who wasn't blessed with such).

However, this doesn't give us the reason to outcast those non degree-holders; those who wished they can afford the time and $ for a degree course but CAN'T.

What makes one think that a non degree-holder does not have what it takes, does not have the knowledge or capability to take up that job opening (only opened for degree-holder)? For all we know, this person may, through his many years of working experiences, turn out to be even more suitable than a fresh-grad (with no relevant working experience).

Aren't we encouraged to give people a second chance? Why are we placing that much of emphasis on job applicants to be a degree-holder then? Why can't we open to those with relevant working experience and give these people a chance, get the employers to spend some sincere time to listen to what they can contribute rather than totally outcast them.

Or is it a BASIC requirement that certain job designations are to be held only by people with certain calibre?

Feeling Confused & Lonely?

We all find ourselves in the valley of despair sometimes. It may sometimes seem that we are forever worrying, learning lessons, suffering pain, and facing challenges. But we must try to remember that the fertilizer that helps us "grow" is in those valleys, not on the mountain tops.

During the times that we feel sad, lonely and confused, we will always end up wiser and we will grow more from the experiences. We will understand more about people and life, become more sensitive, and we'll be able to enjoy life more after we go through the hard times.

We have to experience sadness so that we may better measure joy. Life has a way of balancing the sorrow with the joy, the disappointments with the hope, and the emptiness with the meaning.

"Follow your heart" ~ it will lead you to where you will be happier ;)