After you graduate from high school you can enter the job market immediately or you might want to consider some alternatives which can help make your transition from school to work easier. Remember, the more training you get to build your skills, the more competitive you will be in the open job market.
Apprenticeship Training
Earning While Learning
Apprenticeship is the oldest form of crafts training in the Western world. Hundreds of years ago in Europe, young people were assigned to master craftsmen for a specific number of years to learn a particular trade.
Today men and women apprentices are trained on the job in more than 800 different apprenticeship occupations nationwide. These special trainees are paid salaries that increase on a regular basis throughout the training period. In addition to their on-the-job training, the apprentice agrees to attend classes one or two nights a week for the duration of the apprenticeship.
At the end of the training period, the apprentice receives a certificate which certifies the individual as a journey worker in the trade. The certification is recognized throughout the United States.
For further information on apprenticeship training, please explore the following links:
Tech-Prep Programs
Moving from one level to another? Perhaps you have heard of tech-prep programs but don't really know what they are. You should! These programs may mean great opportunities for you in good paying, high-tech jobs with unlimited possibilities, in areas such as engineering design technology, information processing, electronics/electromechanical technology, automated manufacturing, aviation technology/pilot training, or hotel/motel marketing. These are but a few of the exciting possibilities in new programs that combine two years of high school education with two years at the community college level into one integrated program leading to highly specialized technology training. Other programs, such as law enforcement and nursing have been expanded to include an additional two years at a senior college, leading to a four-year or baccalaureate degree. Often because the curriculum is very carefully designed and because of advanced placement possibilities, the entire program can be completed in less than four years, leading to early graduation and thus early employment. Think of tech-prep as an escalator, you are moving from one level to another
with no breaks in the action, and the only way is up! Check with your guidance counselor to see if your school has tech-prep programs.
For further information on tech-prep programs, please explore the following links:
Private Occupational Schools
Private occupational schools comprise the largest career training segment in the United States,
accounting for over 50 percent of all postsecondary occupational/technical training. These
schools have experienced a significant increase in enrollments during the past decade due to
major shifts in the economy and employment market.
Private occupational schools offer short-term, intensive, practical education. This approach
enables students to prepare quickly for entry-level employment. Classes are small, student-centered, and involve hands-on experience with business and technical equipment. Students attending private occupational schools have the unique opportunity to complete relevant career training programs and enter the employment market quickly.
For further information about private occupational schools in your area, please explore the following link:
Take A Look At Job Corps
Job Corps provides participants with residential vocational training, remedial education, and job placement services. Since 1964, more than a million young men and women have graduated from Job Corps training and have gone on to successful employment.
To be eligible to join the Job Corps, you must be between the ages of 16 and 24, have a low family income, and be in need of training to obtain a job.
In the Job Corps, you actually get paid while you learn. The Job Corps offers these benefits:
- Cash spending allowance
- Free medical and dental care
- Clothing allowance
- No charge for books, uniforms, and tools
- Free housing and meals
- Social activities and recreation
- Free transportation
- Money to send home for child care
- Job placement assistance
- Free drivers education
For further information on Job Corps please explore the following links:
Additional Training
On-The-Job
Go to work for a company or business which will train you as you work on-the-job. Ask about their programs for ongoing employee training.
Community College
Considering possible technical programs? Community colleges offer a variety of vocational and technical programs which lead to certificates, diplomas or associate degrees. They also offer two-year transfer programs and specialized training for industry. There are open admissions, with remedial and pre-tech courses available. Entrance requirements depend on the program.
Four-Year College
There are many public and private colleges and universities in Connecticut. Your local library, school counseling office, or career center will have college information for you. You can also write directly to the colleges you are considering. Entrance requirements are based primarily on high school grades and college test scores.
Military
Work for Uncle Sam and get training, pay, room and board, and benefits. Ask your military recruiter about the type of training available, qualifications for training, length of time commitment required, and pay and benefits. High school graduation is required.
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