Throughout school, many classes are specifically designed to prepare students for the university system and ensure that they have the tools needed to get into a “good college”. For many, college is not the right option. Whether it is the high costs, the lecture-heavy format, or the requirement to commit to one area of study so early, the university education students are taught to prepare for is not a one-size fits all option for post-high school education. Fortunately, it is not the only option either.
Community Colleges:
Community colleges are good, low-cost options for any student who wants to avoid the debt that comes with big colleges or is unsure of which direction they want to take after high school. Community colleges are also less expensive and often offer smaller classes than the average state university, which allows for more individualized attention and access to help for students who need it.
Unfortunately, these benefits also come with a general decrease in “campus life” and student engagement. The majority of community college students focus on both work and their studies, so it can be difficult to form a solid base with fellow students. You should keep in mind that, while it is no impossible, it can be difficult to get higher paying jobs with only a community college education. Community colleges are two-year schools, so if you are looking to get a bachelor’s degree, you will likely need to transfer into a four-year university after graduation. However, this can be a benefit as transferring after two years still saves money and can give you time to find a four-year school that is right for you.
For more information on the benefits and downsides of community colleges, see Scholarships.com’s article. Scholarships.com also provides information and resources for finding scholarships to schools you may be interested in, resources for college prep, questions to ask yourself before attending any school, and how to make sure the school you choose is accredited and will teach you.
For more information on community colleges in Texas, see the Texas Association of Community Colleges’ website.
Trade Schools:
Trade schools are career-focused schools that provide workshops and hands-on training in technical and mechanical skill sets that can be used in careers such as carpentry, electrical work, air traffic controlling, and many more. Those who go to trade schools are almost guaranteed jobs at the end of their schooling due to the highly specialized training and work that goes into the programs as well as high demand for mechanical and technical workers — jobs that are always needed, even in times of recession. Trade schools are good fits for kinetic learners and those interested in mechanical or technical work. On average, they cost about $33,000 in total, which is around the average cost of just one year at a state university.
Because of the highly specific training that comes with a trade school, it may be a bad idea for those who are not certain or passionate about their future careers to attend. These careers can also be limiting further down the road, however, they also provide more stable jobs sooner than the average university education. These jobs will also require continued education throughout your career since equipment and methods are constantly changing for mechanical and technical jobs.
For more information on trade schools, see The Benefits of Trade Schools in Today’s Economy, by Anne Dennon. The article gives helpful information on the potential salaries of those who graduate from trade schools as well as a comparison of a standard university education vs a trade school education.
For a list of accredited vocational trade schools, in Texas, see Accredited Schools Online DO NOT APPLY TO OR ATTEND A TRADE SCHOOL WITHOUT FIRST VERIFYING THAT IT IS ACCREDITED.
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are a form of training that allows the apprentice to earn money while they learn and are taught by a professional in their desired field. They are highly coveted due to both the experience and job security that comes with them and jobs that offer apprenticeships can range from mechanics to welders to tattoo artists. The specific and hands-on training that can be obtained from an apprenticeship has the potential to be invaluable to a future career and is almost always less expensive than a college education or even a trade school.
As far as this list goes, apprenticeships are by far the most difficult to obtain and that is because they require one-on-one training with a professional who may not have the time or patience to train you. Unlike the other two, you can rarely get an apprenticeship based on merit alone. Potential mentors are extremely limited and many apprentices had relationships with their mentors prior to being hired, which is why it is vitally important for you to apply in person and try to establish a good relationship with potential mentors. If you are passionate about finding an apprenticeship for your desired career, work to support yourself and constantly improve in that field. It is very difficult to get an apprenticeship, but that does not mean it is unattainable and the benefits of learning and training with a professional whilst also being paid can be well worth the process of finding the right mentor.
For more information on apprenticeships, see Chron’s article, How to Become a Mechanic Apprentice. The information given applies to many other types of apprenticeships.
For a more detailed list of jobs that may require apprenticeships and how to prepare to apply, as well as more sources for what mentors typically look for in an apprentice, see the Learn How to Become article, Apprenticeships: Get Paid While You Learn.