What is a Vocational School?
Are you ready to start a new career but not sure which school to attend? Don’t have 4 years to complete a degree, which may or may not even get you a job? Consider attending a vocational school. You graduate in months, rather than years and the vocational school prepares you with the knowledge and skills you need to start working on day one. A diploma from a vocational school is a competitive advantage in this highly competitive job market.
What is a Vocational School?
A vocational school, also known as a technical or trade school, offers job training to start a new career in healthcare, computers or one of the many vocations that are in demand today. Unlike a 4-year college, vocational schools only teach what you need to start working right away, no elective courses in 14th Century Literature that will cost you time and money.
Many vocational schools also prepare you for a certification or licensing exam. With the exam in mind, the program “teaches to the test” so you have the confidence to take the certification or licensing exam and become a certified professional. Whether you are becoming a certified medical assistant or getting a certification in CompTIA A+, vocational schools prepare you with the confidence and skills you need to complete any certification or licensing exam.
What are the Benefits of a Vocational School?
There are many benefits to attending a vocational school. From getting a quick start in a new career to a well-rounded education, you have the opportunity to start or transition into a vocational career that will be in demand for decades to come.
Benefit #1: A Quick Start
The best part about attending a vocational school is that you usually graduate in months, rather than years by attending full-time. If you don’t have the time to attend a 4-year college and you need to move forward quickly, then a vocational school is the right choice.
A vocational school offers a shorter path to graduation than the 2 or 4-year colleges. Class loads are arranged to fast track you to graduation. No need for elective or ancillary courses that don’t prepare you for your vocation. Learn only what you need to get a job and feel confident your first day, nothing else.
Benefit #2: Well-Rounded Education
Vocational schools know how to prepare you for the job market. They have been helping thousands of students gain valuable education and training to start new vocations. They understand that you need classroom lectures as well as hands-on experience in your vocation. Whether you are a medical assistant that is learning phlebotomy or an IT specialist that manages user networks, you will get all the knowledge and experience you need to succeed in your new vocation.
Benefit #3: Industry Experienced Instructors
Vocational schools know that the instructor is key to the success of the student. They only hire industry experienced instructors, many that have ties to the community. The instructors have started in entry-level positions, gained experience in their industry over many years, and keep in touch with community members in their industry to better shape a well-rounded education. They know what employers are looking for and can help you succeed in your new vocation. They are more than instructors; they are mentors that help you down the path to success.
Benefit #4: Choose a Flexible Schedule
Some of us have other responsibilities in addition to school. Do you take care of a family member or have other responsibilities that you must balance with your career? The best part about a vocational school is that they understand you may have a job or other responsibility. They offer flexible schedules so that you can either complete your program attending full-time or take a slower approach and attend part-time or evenings. With more options you can find a schedule that best fits your life.
Benefit #5: Networking Opportunities
During your vocational program, you will meet many different instructors, classmates and industry professionals that will help you network when it comes time to get a job in the industry. Networking can be the best way to find a job and stay employed. You never know when you or someone you know will need help finding a job. Keeping up with classmates and instructors on LinkedIn will keep you connected so you can reach out and stay in touch.
Benefit #6: Externships
One of the most important parts of a vocational school program is the externship. This gives you the ability to try your hand at your given vocation. Do you want to specialize in a particular part of the vocation? Are you weak in any areas and need additional lab work? Participating in an externship is a great way to build your resume and get some real-world experience. You will shadow colleagues and perform real tasks, under strict supervision. Use the externship to your advantage and identify what you want to do when you graduate.
Benefit #7: Career Services
Most vocational schools offer career services to graduates. Whether it is resume building, mock interviews or job fairs, vocational schools are determined to find the right job for your talents. Many vocational schools will also follow you throughout your career, giving you an opportunity or nudge in the right direction when you need a little extra help. Further, some jobs are only offered to vocational school graduates through the career services department. Employers know that graduates are fully trained and ready to work, and they look to career services departments to help recruit employees.
Final Thoughts
With technology automating and replacing many jobs, vocational schools focus on those jobs that can only be done by humans, including vocations like healthcare and computers. If you are ready to work in a demanding industry and start a rewarding career, learn more about Peloton College and the many vocations we offer to start on your career journey today, for a secure tomorrow.
Want to Learn More?
Peloton College offers Electronic Systems Technician, Information Technology Support Professional, Associates of Applied Science in Cybersecurity, Medical Billing, and Coding, and Medical Assistant programs consisting of fast-track learning courses taught by experienced technical professionals who are committed to providing individual attention to every career college student.
The mission of Peloton College is to be the premier provider of hands-on training and education by providing students and graduates with the necessary skills to secure occupational careers. Contact us today to learn more.
