Jump Right Into Your Dream Career With a Vocational Degree

When many people hear about vocational degrees, they think of tradespeople who work as welders, carpenters, plumbers, or something similar. All of these are still viable and lucrative degree options, but the vocational umbrella has grown. Firefighters and police officers earn vocational degrees, as do pilots, property managers, paralegals, dental hygienists, and personal trainers. In fact, the list of careers that require or benefit from a vocational degree continues to grow, making it one of the most efficient ways to get practical training that can be put to use almost immediately in the career of your choice.

Just as there are many different jobs available to those who earn vocational degrees, there is a variety of schools and training options available as well. You might find the curriculum you’re looking for at a career college, a technical or trade school, or even a community college. This means your vocational degree could be a certificate, a diploma, or an associate’s degree. No matter the venue though, you can expect experienced industry experts in a safe environment designed to promote learning to prepare you to thrive in the field or industry of your choice.

When deciding where to go for your vocational degree, there are many factors to consider. On top of the personal considerations such as cost and location, we also suggest looking for evidence of these important elements:

• Program Credentials: Just because a school offers a training program doesn’t mean that it’s accredited. Investigate the institution to make sure it is recognized by any governing agencies of the industry you’re looking to enter. This becomes especially relevant if some sort of certificate or license is required for you to start working, because if a school’s program isn’t accredited you might be denied entry.
• Class Size: Personal attention can be a vital component for vocational training. When learning how to weld or plumb, for example, one-to-one coaching can make a huge difference in the level of confidence you feel when entering the field. The size of the classes can also influence the level of customization you’re allowed in your program, which can be a big factor in technical programs like computer networking.
• Amount of Practice: One of the attractive features of many vocational careers is that they’re hands-on, and a vocational degree program should reflect this. Look for information regarding clinics, internships, labs, or other ways of gaining real-world experience as part of your curriculum.

While these are not the only conditions that need to be considered when choosing where to study, they are crucial and should weigh heavily in your decision. Once you’ve found a respected place to learn though, you can look forward to a focused education that will quickly give you the competitive edge you need to get your foot in the door or move ahead in the technical or professional career of your choosing.