Choosing a career early in life is imperative. However, the path towards achieving that career goal is not often straightforward. That dream to become an artist, accountant, medical assistant, computer technician, nurse, business analyst, or paralegal is available for those that attend a vocational school.
Before making that decision to go to college, evaluate the full impact of that decision. One must evaluate all the options and benefits first. The choice can be between choosing vocational school, trade school or a traditional 4-year college. A vocational or trade school offers hands-on skills applicable in a work situation while a traditional 4-year college offers relevant knowledge mixed with elective courses. Vocational schools prepare their students for a specific trade, making them better prepared for the workforce.
Benefit #1: Vocational Schools Have Higher Employment Rate
Vocational and trade schools prepare a person for the job market. This means graduates are prepared to accept a job immediately after graduation. Most vocational schools also work with employers in the industry to give students an education within their technical field. When the graduate is ready to transition to the job, vocational school graduates have seamless transitions. This is thanks to a vocational school’s training approach. Since the vocational school trains with real-life examples and equipment, the graduate can benefit.
Traditional 4-year colleges depend on theoretical frameworks. Vocational and trade schools rely on specific industry situations, better equipping the workforce with technical job skills.
Benefit #2: The Student Transitions to Their Career Choice Directly
A traditional 4-year college degree equips the student with general skills. There is little guidance on the career path with limited interaction by career services. While this is ok for some, it does not translate to a specific job title or career path.
Students go to vocational or trade schools because they have decided what they want to do in life. After one to two years of vocational education, the student has a definite career path. Students come out of vocational school and join a specific trade. The graduate will benefit by not waste time thinking what to do after college. This is common among traditional 4-year college graduates. Many vocational school graduates go through externship programs for them to benefit from industry experience.
Benefit #3: Relevant Skills in Less Time
Vocational and trade schools offer benefits to high school students and adults switching jobs. Most vocational programs take less than two years to complete. Once completed, the classes give graduates enough skills for an entry-level position in their given trade. A graduate can start earning right away. If they have a student loan, they can start repayments as soon as possible.
Benefit #4: The Chances of Graduating Are High
Did you know that 40 percent of students who enroll in traditional 4-year colleges do not graduate within the 4-year duration? This is reported by the National Center for Education Statistics. On the other hand, approximately 2 percent of vocational or trade school students fail to graduate within the course duration. The chances of graduating and joining the workforce are better when a student graduates from a vocational school. The vocational programs are short, which encourages maximum concentration and performance. Students who attempt college education and don’t graduate are not ready for the job market. They may also have to service their student loans.
Benefit #5: The Future for Trades Is Bright
Research shows that some of the fastest growing career paths lie in the technical fields. Some of the trades with high job growths include medical assistants and massage therapists. Surprisingly, many people who go to traditional 4-year colleges can end up working in positions that don’t require a degree. Their salaries will reflect this.
Benefit #6: Smaller Classes
The average vocational or trade school classroom has less students than many traditional 4-year colleges. This means teachers can offer thorough training with supervised hands-on experience. Small classes mean the creation of strong relationships with fellow students. Students will make bonds that last a lifetime. This will also help vocational graduates network when it is time to find a job.
Benefit #7: Flexible Schedules
Many vocational or trade schools offer day and evening classes for those that have obligations during the day. Do you have a day job or care for a family member? The flexible schedule of a vocational school may benefit you.
Benefit #8: Hands-on Training
Students experience lab work and externships. Many vocational or trade schools offer hands-on training that prepares students for real world situations. With hands-on training, the student is one step ahead in landing the entry-level a vocational career.
Benefit #9: Career Services
The goal of Career Services is to assist all graduates to get in-field or related-field employment. Career Services is available to assist vocational students throughout their technical training programs and continues to offer assistance beyond graduation. It should be understood the career services offered are not a guarantee of employment.
In order to facilitate employment efforts, a vocational school’s career services team works closely with the employment community that may offer in-field or related-field employment opportunities to qualified graduates. This is accomplished by maintaining active involvement in the community, holding on-campus career fairs, scheduling on-campus graduate interviews, hosting guest lectures, scheduling opportunities for vocational students and graduates to interact with potential employers, and conducting routine visits to new and established employment partners.
Benefit #10: Financial Aid
Vocational and trade schools are accredited and participate in various federal student aid programs. During the admissions interview, a student’s admissions representative will arrange for them to meet with an associate from the vocational school’s financial aid office. This associate will explain the various types of federal aid for which the student may qualify. The difference between college grant and loan programs will be explained so they can make a final decision regarding the creation of a financial aid package that best meets their needs. The associate will prepare an estimated award letter to help explain how the student’s financial aid package will help cover the cost of tuition, books, and fees. Financial aid is available to those who qualify.
Did learning about the benefits of attending a vocational or trade school interest you? If you are ready to find the right vocational college, learn more about Gwinnett Colleges & Institute. Choose from one of our vocational college diploma or associate degree programs and take the next step towards your future career. The Gwinnett Colleges & Institute programs are offered in the day and evening making it easier for you to schedule the technical training you need to meet your vocational career goals.