Training provided by vocational schools can advance or springboard a career. Often referred to as trade or career schools, they provide training programs for jobs in various fields, including medical assistants, cosmetology, automotive technology, interior
design, computer programming, truck driving, business administration and management. Before signing up for career training, consideration should be given to the type of training that will be needed and where to look for instruction. Business Consumer Alliance
(“BCA”) offers insight on choosing a career school and useful resources to help you along the way.
Getting Started
One critical thing to do when choosing a vocational school is to consider your goals. Reflect on your aspirations, asking yourself what you want to do with your life, where do you excel, and the type of career you desire. If you’re not sure what you want
to do or you want to find a career that matches your skills and interest, we suggest you visit My Next Move to explore possible career choices. If you’re still in school, talk to your counselor for insight and guidance.
Occupation Information
Once you have an idea about your career goals, the next step is to research the occupations you’re interested in. Some helpful resources are:
- The Occupational Outlook Handbook, a guide to career information about hundreds of different occupations. It describes the education and training needed, earnings, and expected job prospects for a wide range of occupations.
- CareerOneStop offers career, training, and job search resources.
- O*NET Online is an interactive tool providing information on the skills and training needed for various careers.
Talking to individuals employed in your field of interest can also provide much needed insight. Obtaining as much information as possible will aid you in determining which schools offer the training you need.
Finding a School
When you’re ready to look for a school
College Navigator is a great tool to consult. It provides information on a wide range of topics such as general school information, tuition, admissions requirements, enrollment, student expenses, accreditation, default rates for students with student loans,
and much more. You can check with the state
licensing agency for information on the school, including its operation status and licensing or certification requirements. Also, college fairs give you a chance to talk to representatives from career schools that can answer your questions.
Doing Your Homework
Do your homework before you enroll. This can help you avoid scams and less than reputable programs. Check out the school first by obtaining a BCA reliability report. Next, find out whether the school is accredited. This can be a good indicator of the school’s
ability to provide the appropriate training and education. You can check with the Department of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs or the Council for Higher
Accreditation to see if the school is accredited by a reputable organization. You may wish to explore whether your credits are transferable to a two or four year college.
Next, explore the facilities to see what the classrooms or workshops are like. Check to see that the facility has the necessary equipment and tools needed for training and that they are comparable to what is used in the industry. Ask if the supplies and
tools needed are provided by the school or if they will need to be purchased. If you have learning disabilities or if there is a language barrier, make sure the school can provide assistance.
Check on instructors’ credentials and classroom size. Sit in on a class, if possible, to observe the instruction given and ask the students about the program, school, and instructors. Be sure to also look into how long it takes to complete the program. To
get an idea of the program’s success rate, ask about the percentage of students that complete the program, the number of graduates that find a job in their chosen field, and the average starting salary. If you can, get a list of recent graduates that you can
contact for feedback on their experience.
Paying for Your Education
The total cost for the program and related expenses is usually a major factor in deciding on a school. In addition to tuition, you may need to factor in fees for adding or dropping classes, books, equipment, supplies, uniforms, lab fees, or graduation costs.
Ask if the school provides financial assistance and how to apply. Look into
financial aid options available through the U.S. Department of Education, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Additional Considerations
Never make a hasty decision. Explore your options and compare several programs and schools before deciding. Once you have narrowed the selection down, read through the materials carefully, especially the contract. Ensure the cancellation rights and instructions
are clearly explained and documented. Finally, if the school pressures you to sign up, fails to allow you to read the materials before you enroll, or makes inflated promises and representations such as guaranteed jobs or salary claims, walk away. With planning
and a lot of research you could be on your way to the career you desire.
About the Author:
Nicole Pitts is a Senior Business Analyst and Writing Correspondent for Business Consumer Alliance. She has been with the organization for 13 years and specializes in report writing, business evaluation, and investigations. Nicole corresponds with businesses
regarding complaint trends and provides suggestions to help them alleviate problem areas that may cause concern. She also conducts advertisement reviews, reports on government enforcement actions, and assists government agencies and the media in obtaining
information. She enjoys reading, movies, and spending time with her family. Nicole may be reached by email at npitts@businessconsumeralliance.org.