Sentence:  Third , the significance of the vocational courses is that those enrolled are keenly interested in the work ; they realize the relevance of what they are learning to their future careers , and this sense of <WSD>purpose</WSD> is carried over to the academic courses which they are studying at the same time . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose