Kick-Start Your Career with Vocational Training - CareerAlley

Kick-Start Your Career with Vocational Training - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Vocational Training Do you like building or fixing things? Are looking for a way to fast-track your career and have no interest in a four-year degree program? If this sounds like you, then maybe you should consider a vocational school. Vocational schools offerjob-specific training to students who are typically bound for a skilled trade which often leads to well-paying jobs. The curriculum at most vocational schools includes a wide variety of programs, from plumbers and electricians todental hygienists and computer specialists. Most programs offer certificates or diplomas, and many four-year schools provide credit for vocational school experience. There are many many advantages to enrolling in vocational training. Its no secret that a career in the trades can be quite lucrative. Nevertheless, few parents and teachers would wish their students pick blue-collar work over a university career. As such, fewer and fewer high schools have been teaching trades and encouraging students to explore career opportunities that veer from the university route. Job Specific Training Vocational training provides very specific skills versus many four-year college programs which offer general knowledge but may not provide transferable skills. Vocational training programsare hands-on programs taught by industry professionals. Manyprograms lead to apprenticeship or internship opportunities. Photo by Brendan Church on Unsplash Many Career Choices Many people think of only the traditional trades such as Auto Repair or Plumbing when they think about vocational training. While you can certainly take training programs to become an Electrician, vocational schools offer so many options that many people are not aware of, such as: Dental HygienistFashion DesignerWeb DeveloperComputer Specialist AutoCadPersonal TrainerPlumberElectrician CarpentryCateringHotel ManagementConstruction Management Massage TherapyHome InspectorWelderIronworker MachinistAirport OperationsAuto MechanicsComputer technician Cost Photo by Fabian Blank on Unsplash Vocational training schools cost a fraction of what a traditional four-year degree would cost. According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition is approximately $35,000 per year (so $140,000 for a four-year degree). According to the simpledollar.com, the average cost of a vocational school program is approximately $33,000 (or $107,000 less than a four-year college). Whether youre just starting out with your career decisions, and youre not sure what you want to do, or youre looking at ways to further your current career, you may want to look into what education can do for you. Tweet This Lots of Jobs Many of the career types available at Vocational Schoolsare in high demand in the workforce. Many jobs, not enough people to fill those jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the programs offered by vocational schools are among the fastest growing opportunities. As a result, the placement rates for those looking for vocational jobs after graduating a program are very high. Source Other Occupations Injection molding technicians The average rate of pay for injection molding technicians is $17.61 per hour. However, there is great potential for further earnings, with profit sharing and bonuses a real possibility in this industry. Salaries can be from $28,000 to $55,000 per year depending on experience and individual performance. Of course, geographic location also plays a very large role when determining how much money you will receive. Job Experience Since most (if not all) vocational training programs offer hands-on experience, you already have practical experience when you graduate. This gives you the opportunity to move right into the workforce. Trade and vocational schools have been underrated and frowned upon for so long. But that undeserved stigma is rapidly changing. More and more students are starting to look for a different path to a career, especially now that the cost of advanced education is leaving people with sticker shock and massive amounts of debt. Its no secret that those with bachelors degrees or higher have larger earning potential than those who stopped at a high school diploma. However, when you weigh in the heavy-duty loan that has to be paid off once a job is secured, the bachelors degree doesnt seem so fancy anymore. It might actually be a burden. careerschoolnow.org Learning Style Most of us do not enjoy sitting in a classroom and learning by reading a textbook. As mentioned earlier, vocational schools offer hands-on training provided by experts in the field. Photo by tefan tefank on Unsplash Photo by tefan tefank on Unsplash Flexibility to Learn Most four-year college programs require students to attend required classes at preset times. Vocational schools have a lot of flexibility in their schedule. Attending nights, weekends and online learning are typical of most vocational schools. Its Challenging Work Yes, working in any of the fields that are offered in vocational school can be challenging, but the rewards outweigh the challenges. Excellent pay, high demand and it is unlikely that any of these careers can be outsourced. These are just some of the benefits of a vocational school program. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. 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