Adult and Vocational Education Teachers

In American colonial times, organized adult education was started to help people make up for schooling missed as children or to help people prepare for jobs. Apprenticeships were an early form of vocational education in the American colonies as individuals were taught a craft by working with a skilled person in a particular field. For example, a young boy might agree to work for a printer for five to 10 years and, at the end of that time, be able to open up his own printing business. Training programs continued to develop as carpenters, bricklayers, and other craftspeople learned their skills through vocational training courses.

Peak periods in adult education have typically occurred during times of large-scale immigration. Evening schools were filled with foreign-born persons eager to learn their new home's language and culture and prepare for the tests necessary for citizenship.

In 1911, Wisconsin established the country's first State Board of Vocational and Adult Education. In 1917, the federal government supported the continuing education movement by funding vocational training in public schools for individuals over 14. Immediately after World War II, the federal government took another large stride in supporting adult and vocational education by creating the G.I. Bill of Rights, which provided money for veterans to pursue further job training.

Today's colleges and universities, vocational high schools, private trade schools, private businesses, and other organizations offer adults the opportunity to prepare for a specific occupation or pursue personal enrichment.