Tech Schools 101 – Hacks to help you on your job training journey
Whether you know what trade you want to pursue or not, figuring out where to start your technical schooling or choosing from the bevy of options available to you can sometimes be the hardest part.
To help you along the way, we spoke with experts who have counseled thousands of people just like you.
Still Exploring?
If you’re interested in the trades but can’t decide on a specific area or program, experts suggest shadowing a student, teacher or employee in a field you’re curious about, touring a workplace, visiting a college career center, exploring websites for those colleges, or simply reading a few job descriptions to see if the tasks or responsibilities spark your interest.
You are not alone if you’re having a hard time deciding on a career path.
If you’re comfortable talking through your interests with someone, a great place to begin is speaking with a counselor at a college’s career services department, says Jenny McGilligan, director of CareerHub at Milwaukee Area Technical College.
Bradley Mitchell, a recruiter at Moraine Park Technical College suggests having a conversation with someone who works in the field.
“Learning right from the source about the good, bad and otherwise can really help you know if that eventual job will be a good fit,” he said.
Searching online
Sheri Eisch, career counselor at Gateway Technical College, suggests taking some time to dig around on a college’s website to explore the degree and certificates offered, and the kind of jobs those credentials can lead to, including how much they pay. You can also find out if the program offers night and weekend classes that might better fit your schedule.
Some of the workers employers are looking for right now, in addition to nurses and other health care providers, include students with training in advanced manufacturing technology, automotive and diesel maintenance, carpentry, building trades, CNC production and programming, electrical technology, machining, plumbing, HVAC, robotics and welding.
How long will I be in school?
How long your training takes will depend on what skill program you are pursuing. For certificate programs, the term can be as short as four to 10 weeks. Technical diplomas often take about one academic year to complete, while associate degrees often take about two.
Mitchell added that many students work while going to school and most trade schools have some flexibility with how you can take your classes or offer part-time enrollment.
“There will still be a limit as to how long you can take to complete an entire program, but most students are able to figure this out with their advisor,” he said.
Dual credits
If you’re looking to expedite things, many tech colleges also offer opportunities to earn college credits in high school, which can shorten the time you spend in school and save money.
High school students can even earn diplomas and degrees before graduating from high school, noted Katie Graf, director of high school partnerships at Gateway Technical College.
“Many incoming college students have taken dual credits at their high schools, or Start College Now credits at a local technical college during high school,” Graf said.
Paying for it
One of the biggest barriers to pursuing a degree, diploma or certificate can often be the cost, which, in addition to tuition, can include books, supplies, laptops, tools, supplies and specialty clothing.
Luckily, tech schools offer a variety of scholarships, grants, loans and financial aid programs, and there are staff available to help counsel you about your options. Some eligible students can even attend college tuition-free.
“I encourage everyone to fill out a federal financial aid application (FAFSA) to see your eligibility for grants and to apply for scholarships to help offset some of the costs,” McGilligan said. “Also, some employers offer tuition benefits to help you take classes.”
Gateway Technical College and other schools offer the Promise Program, which is geared toward high school seniors who need financial assistance. The program fills the gap between federal and state grants and the cost of tuition, so eligible students can attend tuition free.
Meet the experts:
- Sheri Eisch: career counselor at Gateway Technical College
- Katie Graf: director of high school partnerships at Gateway Technical College
- Jenny McGilligan: director of CareerHub at Milwaukee Area Technical College
- Bradley Mitchell: recruiter at Moraine Park Technical College