For decades now, we鈥檝e become increasingly aware of the importance of postsecondary education when it comes to building a long-term career, but traditional four-year college settings just aren鈥檛 a good fit for everyone. In fact, more and more students are turning to trade schools and career colleges for the kinds of training they need. The , and those numbers continue to climb.
If you鈥檝e been thinking about furthering your education, here are some of the top benefits of attending a career college or trade school for you to consider before you enroll.
1. Train for Work That鈥檚 in High Demand
Because vocational colleges are focused on helping students kickstart their careers first and foremost, they feature programs and industries that are in-demand. Trades like electrician and HVAC and welding are always in need of skilled professionals because we depend on them so much to help keep our homes, businesses, and infrastructure running. And fields like healthcare have some of the fast-growing careers out there because demand for medical services keeps rising. You won鈥檛 have to worry about what you鈥檒l do with your training after you graduate; you鈥檒l be ready to step into the workforce.
2. Go From Classroom to Career Faster
Traditional colleges can take four or more years to get from your first day to graduation, bogged down with electives and prerequisites that you may not even need. In contrast, trade schools narrow in on the skills that will benefit you the most in your future career and give you hands-on training in those areas. It鈥檚 right there in the name 鈥渃areer college,鈥� after all 鈥� our mission is to prep you for the career you want, not waste your time on classes you don鈥檛.
3. Gain Real-World Experience
There are some things 鈥� many things, even 鈥� that you just can鈥檛 learn out of a textbook or by sitting in a classroom. If you鈥檙e studying to become a Vocational Nurse, for example, you can鈥檛 learn how to do a needle stick or take a blood pressure just by reading about the steps. Or if you want to be a welder, you鈥檒l never pass your certifications if you haven鈥檛 picked up a torch. That鈥檚 why trade schools go beyond the traditional tests and homework by incorporating hands-on training and practical experience. Many also include externships in the program itself so you have the chance to get on-the-job experience.
4. Decrease the Possibility of Student Debt
One reason many students avoid enrolling in a traditional four-year university is the staggering costs involved in earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree. Graduating with your personal finances in the red can make it just that much harder to start on the next phase of your life. Because trade schools and career colleges often offer programs that take a fraction of the time to complete, they can often result in less debt, less financial burden, and a stronger start to your career. On top of that, many career colleges offer financial aid assistance.
5. Get Help Finding a Job After School
Trade and vocational schools keep the goal of helping their students find new careers at the heart of their mission. Because of this, many of them have career services departments to provide resources and opportunities when it comes time for your job search. Staff and faculty members often cultivate relationships with local employers, businesses, and organizations, so that they are constantly in the know about who is looking for skilled graduates. It鈥檚 a team that鈥檚 there for everything from practicing interview skills to following up with you as you progress through your career.
6. Small Class Sizes, Real Connections
Traditional universities often have enormous lecture halls filled with hundreds of students and professors you鈥檇 barely recognize walking by on the street, let alone get any real guidance from. Career colleges, on the other hand, keep their class sizes small, so that you have more opportunities to engage with your instructor and classmates. It allows you to build relationships and create a community as you work toward graduation.
7. Break Through the Education Barrier
At career schools, like 皇家华人 College, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to train for a successful career. Contrary to the application process for many traditional universities, which require pages of hoops to jump through, trade schools aim to make applying an easy, accessible experience. Oftentimes, they allow students to enroll even without a high school diploma and don鈥檛 require things like SAT scores or prerequisite classes.
Ready to Chart Your Career Path?
If you鈥檙e ready to take control of your future and take advantage of all the benefits that trade schools have to offer, now is a great time to check out 皇家华人 College. We鈥檝e been providing quality, affordable education for over 30 years in healthcare and the trades. Reach out to 皇家华人 College today and one of our experienced admissions advisors will be happy to answer your questions and get you started.
