Joining a trade school after high school is an excellent idea. Many possibilities exist after you graduate from high school. You can start working at a local store, attend college, join the military, or work in a family business. Instead of procrastinating this decision, you should ask yourself by the eleventh or twelfth grade, what should I do when I leave high school?
A career choice is not always an easy decision to make. Some people already know what they want to do while others don’t choose a career until several years after graduation. The place to start is seriously discovering your career interests now.
Discovering Your Career Interests
Choosing a career for some people in high school is an easy decision because they have already developed an interest in specific fields of work. They have explored the job responsibilities because they know someone who works in this career or has researched it online.
The place to start is talking to your high school guidance counselor when you are undecided. Here are some steps you can take to discover a career path:
- Make a list of jobs and careers that interest you
- Research each of them to narrow down the list
- Participate in career discovery programs
- Complete career interest surveys
- Participate in job shadowing or start an internship
- Consider your finances for furthering your education
- Think about past positive experiences with class or part-time job projects
You can also ask family and friends what they think you are good at. By the time you have completed this list, you should have a better idea of jobs that are right for you.
Why Trade School After High School
There are several approaches to acquiring knowledge and training for a career. Many students like the idea of a fast track to learn in the form of attending a trade school, also called a technical college. Here are the advantages trade schools offer:
- Earn an associate degree in occupational studies in two years or less
- Spend less money on tuition, supplies, and housing compared to a university
- Experience a comprehensive training program geared to specific jobs
- Trade schools typically have a high graduation rate
- Trade schools have a high job placement rate compared to community colleges
- The career services office offers resume preparation and job search guidance
- There is financial aid available for those who qualify
| “The place to start is seriously discovering your career interests now.” |
How You Learn In Trade School After High School
Trade schools are unique in that they develop your skills through extensive hands-on training. Some general education courses are offered such as computer skills, communication, and technical writing. Most of the training is aimed at developing specific skills and knowledge and practicing related job tasks.
- Students participate in classroom theory and laboratory experiences
- Training is individualized and mentoring may be available
- Hands-on training with real-world equipment, tools, and projects
- Some elective courses are available to further develop job-specific skills
- Progress is monitored with assignments, quizzes, and laboratory evaluations
Some trade schools and technical colleges offer externships where students work in real jobs related to their majors while in school.
Selecting A Technical Program Of Study
Select several schools and explore their class and laboratory offerings to see which best fits your career goals and the cost to attend each school. Narrow the search to the one that has a training program that meets your career interests and needs. You should decide if you want to attend school locally or in another city or state. Ask these questions to help you further decide:
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of this program?
- Do the school and its technical program have a strong reputation for quality?
- Does the school have a high graduation and job placement rate?
- Is the college equipped with the latest training equipment and tools?
- Are instructors experts in their fields and passionate about training?
- Are there good financial aid options available for those who qualify?
Once you have answered these questions, you should be able to narrow down your choices.
Why ITI Technical College
If you live in the Greater Baton Rouge area, selecting a trade school is an easy decision. ITI Technical College has successfully graduated thousands of technical program students since 1973. We provide excellence in teaching and counseling in an atmosphere where faculty and staff place student success as the first priority.
Students praise our technical programs because the curriculum is up to date and they learn with hands-on project-based training. ITI is accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ITI Technical College was recognized in 2020 as an ACCSC School of Excellence. We invite you to explore our school and its programs to meet your career needs. Contact us today for more information.
