The indicator “Number of Schools Covered under Vocational Education” is a key measure of how effectively the education system integrates skill development with formal schooling. Vocational education equips students with practical, job-relevant skills alongside academic learning, helping bridge the gap between education and employment. Schools offering vocational education expose students to diverse career pathways, including technical trades, services, and emerging industries. This is particularly important for students who may not pursue higher academic education, as it enhances their employability, income potential, and readiness for the workforce. Early access to vocational training also supports informed career choices and reduces the risk of dropouts by making education more relevant and engaging.

From an economic perspective, vocational education contributes to the development of a skilled workforce aligned with local and national labour market needs. It supports productivity, entrepreneurship, and economic growth by supplying industries with trained human resources. For communities, vocationally enabled schools can address regional skill shortages and promote local employment opportunities. At a policy and planning level, tracking the number of schools covered under vocational education helps assess the reach, scale, and equity of skill-based education initiatives. It enables governments and stakeholders to identify geographic and social gaps, evaluate programme implementation, and design targeted interventions that strengthen skill development and improve education-to-employment outcomes.