Q&A with tech school experts

Whether you know what trade you want to pursue or you don’t, getting started can be the hardest part. We spoke to six experts who have counseled thousands of people just like you and asked them for help with frequent questions they hear.

I’m interested in manufacturing and construction but can’t decide on a specific area or program. What advice do you have for me?

Shadow a student, teacher or employee.
Ask about touring a workplace you’re interested in.
Visit a college career center or career counselor.
Explore college websites.
Explore online resources.
Read job descriptions.

Jenny McGilligan, director of CareerHub at Milwaukee Area Technical College: “You are not alone. Many people have a hard time deciding on a career path. A great place to begin is with your college career services department. At the MATC CareerHub, you can sit down with a career coach who can help you discover your interests, skills and strengths through conversations and a variety of resources. With a better understanding of who you are and knowledge of the potential jobs, you can take a deeper look at what might be a good fit for you.”

Bradley Mitchell, recruiter at Moraine Park Technical College: “Have 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!”

Sheri Eisch, career counselor at Gateway Technical College: “Along with our career counselors, our website’s program page does a wonderful job describing our degrees, average salary earnings and common job titles. You can also learn about campus locations and whether a program is offered during the day and/or evening, which can be very important factors. There are also many terrific online resources. I recommend Occupational Outlook Handbook (www.bls.gov/ooh).”

In general, how long does it take to get a degree or certificate if attending school full time?

Between 4 and 10 weeks for certificates.
One academic year for many technical diplomas.
Two academic years for associate degrees.

Sheri Eisch: “If enrolled in a technical diploma full time, it is typically one year to completion. The time varies for an associate degree, although many do complete it within two years.”

Bradley Mitchell: “Some certificates may only be a class or two that can be done in one semester (four months). However, plenty of trades have one-year (August-May) technical diplomas that can qualify you for great jobs right away or potentially two-year associate degrees that will deepen your knowledge and skills.”

I can’t afford to attend school full-time. If I need to juggle school and a job, is that OK?

Absolutely!

Bradley Mitchell: “Plenty of our students are working while going to school, especially in the trades! Most programs have some flexibility with how you can take your classes (whether school during the day so you can work at night or vice versa), or yes, potentially enrolling part-time. 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.”

Jenny McGilligan: “There are many flexible scheduling course options to help you manage a job while still being able to attend school, such as evening, weekend and online classes.”

Mike Shiels, dean of the School of Applied Technologies at Waukesha County Technical College: “Most of our students are working and our courses are offered during the day and evening to be flexible with our students’ other commitments outside of college.”

I’ve heard I might be able to apply high school credits to a degree. What should I know about this?

Dual credits, AP credits, “Start College Now” and other credits can be earned while in high school.
In college, those credits can often be applied to your degree to shorten your time in school and save you money.
If you are still in high school, talk to your counselor about this opportunity.

Katie Graf, director of high school partnerships at Gateway Technical College: “Dual credit is a great opportunity for a high school student to earn both high school and college credit at the same time. Students who are purposeful in their dual credits can not only earn college credit, but they can apply those credits to specific college diplomas or degrees, while high school students can earn diplomas and degrees before graduating from high school.”

Bradley Mitchell: “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. These classes are usually indicated on your high school transcript and already on record at the college. If you’re applying to the same college that gave you those credits already, you shouldn’t have to do anything. If you’re looking at a different college, just ask the credit-granting college to send an official transcript to the other college and they’ll review them for transfer.”

What kind of financial aid opportunities are available at your college, such as scholarships or loans?

Scholarships, grants, loans and financial aid programs are available.
Many associate degrees and technical diplomas are eligible for aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program.
All colleges offer resources to counsel you about your options.
Some eligible students can even attend college tuition free.

Jenny McGilligan: “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. Also, some employers offer tuition benefits to help you take classes. Most are very interested in helping people skill up, and many of these positions are available right now.”

Mike Shiels: “WCTC has a financial aid office to assist students with securing grants, loans and scholarships. All of WCTC’s manufacturing, engineering, transportation, construction and graphics programs have numerous scholarships for students.”

Bradley Mitchell: “By submitting your FAFSA (start at www.studentaid.gov) and having your information sent to any college you’re considering attending, you’ll then get more information about what college will actually cost you (if anything). The FAFSA process will let you know what types of grants (money given to you for school), and loans (money you eventually have to pay back) you may qualify for. We also have scholarships available through our MPTC Foundation.”

Sheri Eisch: “We also offer the Promise Program, which is geared toward high school seniors who need financial assistance. The Gateway Promise program fills the gap between federal and state grants and the cost of tuition, so eligible students can attend Gateway tuition free!”

What kinds of additional costs should I expect?

Books
Supplies
Laptops
It varies a lot!

Bradley Mitchell: “There will likely always be some additional costs for books and/or supplies in most programs. While these are above and beyond tuition, these costs are also factored in when applying for financial aid. Depending on your degree, tools and supplies can vary greatly, but especially in the trades you’ll end up with a great set of tools that are yours to keep for your professional jobs after school!”

Mike Shiels: “Textbook costs vary depending on the degree, and some tools and laptops are required depending on the program.”

What else should I keep in mind as I’m exploring my options?

Consider job duties and work environment.
Consider future careers paths.
There’s no harm in trying!

Mike Shiels: “Keep in mind the many exciting career paths that are available after you have a degree and are working in the field. Graduates that work hard and are committed to lifelong learning to stay current with the technology in their fields will have many opportunities for advancement.”

Sheri Eisch: “Consider the duties and work environment and think about whether you would enjoy them. If you like something or are interested in it, the more likely you will be successful in college and have job satisfaction.”

Bradley Mitchell: “Everyone wants to find the right fit for them. Sometimes that means trying it, loving it and learning about it. Other times you try it, you can’t stand it, but at least you learned something and can start to look in a different direction sooner than later.”

Jenny McGilligan: “In both the manufacturing and construction industries, there are many options for early entry into the workforce, and these employers are offering more flexible shift options for students who are interested in pursuing these types of jobs. This might help you focus on what you want to do, and equally important, what you do not want to do.”

What’s special about your college?

Bradley Mitchell: “Moraine Park is cozy, especially in the trades. You and your instructors will get to know each other well; you and your classmates will come to rely on each other for formal knowledge, casual conversation, and connections to future work opportunities. We’ll help you learn about the field you’re interested in while also helping you learn about yourself, all while learning by doing every step of the way. We also have the least expensive college credits you can get at a Wisconsin Technical College System school.”

Jenny McGilligan: “Our connection to employers is very strong. Our faculty are required to have worked within the industry that they teach, and each program is governed by a committee of employers who seek to hire individuals from that field. MATC has made a commitment to provide resources to help students navigate obstacles in life that can potentially derail them from their goals.”

Mike Shiels: “Having a passionate faculty with valuable work experience is what makes our college special. WCTC also has a great reputation with employers in the region, and our graduates are highly recruited for the openings at these companies. Many of our students also have full-time job offers before they graduate because of the internships and part-time jobs they have secured as students at WCTC.”

Sheri Eisch: “Gateway Technical College provides hands-on teaching experience by instructors who come from the field that they teach. For instance, if you enroll in our Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Service Technician program, you will be taught by an instructor that has worked as a professional in that field.”

Meet the experts!

Sheri Eisch, Career counselor, Gateway Technical College
Katie Graf, Director of high school partnerships, Gateway Technical College
Jenny McGilligan, Director of MATC CareerHub, Milwaukee Area Technical College
Bradley Mitchell, Recruiter, Moraine Park Technical College
Mike Shiels, Dean of the School of Applied Technologies, Waukesha County Technical College

Hot properties: In-demand skills

What skills, degrees or occupations are hot right now? Here’s what our experts say:

Advanced manufacturing technology
Automotive and diesel maintenance technicians
Building trades
Carpenters
CNC production technicians
CNC programmers
Construction management
Electrical engineering technology
Electricians
Electromechanical technician
Electronics
Industrial machinery mechanics
Machinists
Machine operators
Maintenance technicians
Mechanical design technology
Metal fabricators
Plumbers
Refrigeration, air conditioning and heating service technicians
Robotics and automation
Steam fitters
Tool and die makers
Welders