Technical schools provide hands-on training for rewarding careers
The word “university” might make you think of ivy-covered walls, hushed libraries, professors in tweed jackets, and students who never get their hands dirty. But maybe you’re the type who loves digging through a greasy motorcycle engine, or soldering an electronic connection, or installing an HVAC system in a skyscraper. You want to work with both your mind and your hands. Yes, there is a school for you!
Technical training schools offer hands-on instruction and experience in small engine repair, automotive and marine repair, computers, HVAC, truck driving, and more. You cannot learn these things only through the Internet. You can’t even learn it alone in a classroom. You have to get dirty and work with the real thing in a real life environment.
Training in the classroom and in the real world
Today’s technical careers require brains and physical ability. Most technical schools divide their curriculum into two parts: classroom and real world. The classroom portion can be delivered in a brick-and-mortar campus building or through an online curriculum that can be mastered from anywhere. The real world section involves hands-on interaction with hardware and must be taken on the technical school campus.
For example, a dedicated tractor-trailer driving program typically requires several weeks of instruction. Topics may include:
• Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) General Knowledge/Combination Vehicles
• CDL Hazardous Materials
• Brake Systems/CDL Air Brake Knowledge
• Uncoupling / Coupling
• Vehicle inspections (Circle Check)
• Parallel parking
• Straight back
• Alley spring backing
• Highway/city driving
• State exam
No matter what career field you’re training for, a good technical school will provide a curriculum that covers all the bases. The parts of the program that involve “book learning” can be presented in a classroom setting or online. Online courses can be just as rich and rewarding as traditional classroom courses. Many include real-time feedback, quizzes, mock hands-on exercises, graphics, and even audio and video.
After successful completion of classroom instruction, the school introduces students to reality. Students get behind the wheel, work in real teams, or build a working computer network. This part of the curriculum can only be completed on school premises. Be sure to choose a school that has advanced technology and instructors with real-world experience.
After completing the program and earning your certificate or diploma, what is the next step?
license
In many cases, completing a technical training program is just the first step toward a new career. Many states require professional service providers to be licensed or certified before they can begin work. In addition, many manufacturers, especially boat, automobile, motorcycle, and aircraft engine manufacturers, require mechanics to be certified before they can go to work at an authorized dealer or repair center. Technical schools generally design their programs to fully prepare their graduates to take the certification exams, but of course, the student is ultimately responsible for their success.
For example, if you want to work as a cosmetologist in New York State and you received your training in New York, you must meet these requirements set by the New York State Board of Cosmetology:
“If you are at least 17 years old, you must complete a New York State-approved 1,000-hour course of study and pass the New York State written and practical exams to obtain a license to operate in this state. As proof of success complete education, you must have the school principal complete the New York State Approved Affirmation of Schooling section of the application. After your application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive information explaining the examination process in detail” .
Technical and vocational schools know that your goal is to get a rewarding job. An accredited technical school can help you change your life with career education. But where do you start? The best way to get started is to go online to a directory of accredited colleges and technical schools. You will be able to search for schools in your area that offer training in the field that interests you. You will also be able to find degree programs online. You can compare programs and even learn about flexible hours and financial aid. You can then request free information from schools that meet your requirements, visit a few, and make your decision. In less time than you think, you could be ready for a rewarding career.
