Why Trade School is a very important resource and tool for People of Color?
It is no secret that unemployment among people of color has been problematic. Black youth continues to drop out of school, and people are frustrated about what to do with this situation. The increasing cost of college is also of great concern however some youth of today disconnect from school around the 10th grade and do not intend on going to a college or university. Tons of Americans, including African Americans, are leaving college with increased student loan debt. Lastly, a college education is no longer a guarantee of a satisfying career or even employment.
People should understand that the idea of education is far more than that of just becoming employed. This may seem counter-intuitive, but there are a plethora of soft skills and peripheral concepts that come under the banner of “education.” This is why it is important for our youth to have access to an avenue wherein they can gain knowledge and information that will help them position themselves socially and financially in life after school.
We should be encouraging our people of color and introducing them to vocational education because they are having issues succeeding in traditional schools and, as pointed out previously, the cost of a college education is so high. On the surface this seems like a good idea. The problem is that the majority of vocational education programs, usually known as trade schools, are offered as post-secondary education. Students must first graduate from high school in order to enroll in trade schools. Though GED programs are available, the challenge here is that even GED programs are more rigorous and expensive than they once were.
So what do we do with that 10th grader that no longer thinks school is for him and he/she wants an education but wants life skills and thinks traditional education is a waste of their time. If we have nothing for him/her then we find ourselves having to address drug and alcohol abuse. Why? Because it alleviates the pains they are going through at home, the boredom they experience, and no one understanding what they need.
We must face the fact that the world is changing, and the attempt to use vocational education for traditional schools and help them learn by hands-on when they are not motivated to learn the traditional way. The same skills like attention to detail, ambition, willingness to learn, and the desire to finish what is started that are needed for success in college are going to be required for success in trade schools.
Here are 7 reasons why students are deciding to skip a traditional university and go to a trade school right now;
1. Start When You Want
Trade schools offer multiple start dates throughout the year and also offer rolling admissions. This means you don’t need to wait until either the spring or fall semester to apply for and start your degree program. With classes that are as short as ten weeks long, it’s also easier to jump in and start your degree with little to no wait time.
2. Small Classes and Like-Minded Peers
When attending a trade school, you’ll notice right away that the class sizes are smaller. In a smaller classroom you can get more individualized attention from the instructor so you can better develop your skill set. These classes are also filled with others who are interested in the same career choice as you. This makes it easy for you to form a group of like-minded peers who are interested in the same things as you are. This bond will provide support that makes getting through school and networking to find a job much easier.
3.Career Service Opportunities
Trade schools specialize in specific areas of skill and pride themselves on their ability to place their students in jobs right out of school. Many institutions have counselors whose only job is to find their students employment once they earn their certificate or degree. This shows how dedicated schools are to your success. It also helps them provide targeted hands-on training, internships, and industry-specific training so that you can be successful both in the classroom and on the job.
4. Save Some Cash
Going to a trade school often means you will spend less time in the classroom to earn your degree. With fewer classes to pay for, you can save a lot of money while you are earning a degree and increasing your skill set. Once you graduate and get a job based on your certificate or degree, you’re also likely to make more money than someone who only holds a high school diploma.
5. Stay Current
With a certificate or degree from a trade school, you will have access to today’s most in-demand jobs. Most trade schools offer programs that are current with industry trends and the technology and skills they teach in class. This means that you’ll get an up-to-date degree that prepares you to be ready on day one of your new job. Having a relevant skill set will make your work more marketable and desirable to employers and the clients you will one day work with.
6. Hands-on Training
Trade schools work hard to provide their students with hands-on, real-life experience. Because of this, they make sure their programs are current with the new and upcoming trends in the field they teach—and that they’re providing relevant hands-on training. This training allows students to better master what they are learning and get experience they can use on the job after graduation. It also helps them get the skills and techniques needed from experienced professionals already working in the field.
7. Get Your Degree Faster
The time it will take you to earn a career certificate or degree could be two years or less if you follow the time track the college recommends. This is much less time compared to a traditional two- or four-year university. Some programs offered by trade schools may even take only a few months! When you are looking to get the job of your dreams faster, it doesn’t get better than this.
Before making the decision of what to do after high school or during the next chapter of your life, be sure you consider all your options. A certificate from a trade school could be the perfect fit for you and your family. The decision can be tough, but trade schools are there to answer your questions and get your started on your next career path in life. Be sure to take a look at a trade school near you!