As a veteran, when you decide if a technical school or vocational school is for you, it’s necessary to choose the right option. There are several factors to consider. From the size of classes to the type of training, you want to make sure you choose the right option for your specific needs and wants.
Should you Attend Vocational Technical School?
When you decide to head off to technical school it’s usually going to define your career after the training. For example, if you go to a technical school for mechanics, you will likely go into this field when you graduate. There are other options, such as community college and apprenticeships, but technical school may provide just what you need to get started on the right career path.
The best way to find out if you should attend technical school is to find out what employers in the field are looking for. If they are looking for some type of technical training, going to vocational school might be the best route. You can also look at the school’s job placement rates to see how many graduates are landing jobs in the industry.
What All Military Veterans Should Consider
After you’ve decided technical school is for you, there are several things to consider. Do you prefer a larger school with larger class sizes or more one-on-one attention? Would you prefer hands-on training over book learning? What kind of reputation does the school offer? Take time to determine if the school is sincerely interested in your success (look at graduation percentages). There are many online schools for profit that seem to be mostly interested in only their profits. Stay clear from them.
Check Out the Class Sizes
The size of the class can make a big difference as some students will not thrive in a lecture hall, while others will do very well in this type of setting. You want to make sure you choose a school with class sizes that work for you. If you prefer to be one of a few hundred, then a larger school might work. If not, maybe it’s best to choose a smaller school with smaller class sizes.
Does The School Offer Hands-On Learning
Technical school is all about hands-on learning. You want to make sure the school you will be attending will offer plenty of hands-on courses you can take and enjoy. In fact, a large portion of the learning should include doing or it may not be the best route for a technical school.
What Does the School Offer?
Looking at the reputation of the school will tell you quite a bit. If they have a high graduation and placement rate, this is usually a good sign. However, if they don’t graduate more than 80% of the students enrolling or they don’t place that many in jobs, it could be an issue.
You also want to look at the accreditation and make sure they are an accredited school. This will make a difference for financial aid and will also make a difference when it comes to your degree. If they are not accredited, employers may not take the degree seriously.
Visiting the School
It’s never wise to head off to a technical school without first visiting the school, especially if you’re an adult going back to school. You want to make sure they have top-notch facilities and check everything out for yourself. If you’re interested in becoming an auto mechanic, check out the garage and see what they offer. If you plan to become a chef, check out the kitchen.
All schools will allow visits and if they don’t, it should be a red flag. Make sure you get a chance to visit and if you can, sit in on a class or two to get a feel for what it’s like being a student at the school.
Financial Details
The last thing to do before enrolling in technical school is to check out the financial details. Will you need to pay out of pocket or will you be able to get student loans? Are any grants available for you? When will repayment begin and how long will you have to repay the loans?
Get answers to all the financial details and you’ll be in better shape to make a good decision about the school. Any technical school worth their merit will offer financial aid options.
When you decide a vocational technical school is right for you, it’s necessary to make a good decision about the specific school. There are plenty to choose from and you don’t want to choose one without an accreditation or the ability to help you land the career you want to enjoy. Take your time and look at multiple schools before you make your final decision.