Not all kids are cut out for college, despite the expectations of their parents or teachers. And especially in the brave new world of the 21st century, not all kids need to go to college right after high school—or ever—to succeed, says J. Michael Farr, author of America’s Top Jobs for People Without a Four-Year Degree.
And chances are, you will need training after high school through some form of alternative career education. Only four of the fastest growing occupations in the United States require a four-year degree or more, says Unger, author of But What if I Don't Want to Go to College? But many of the others—home health aides, building maintenance, teaching aides—require post-high-school training.
Which vocational education and training you'll need—and the cost—depends upon the vocation you choose. Public community colleges offer some of the best vocational training, often specializing in areas such as the graphic arts, hotel and restaurant management, and building trades, according to Unger. Fulltime tuition averages $1,200 a year, although the range from state-to-state is $600 to $3,500. Vocational training at technical institutes will be costlier. Private junior colleges average $7,000 a year, according to Unger. Tuition for private-for-profit trade schools that usually specialize in one field, such as hair-styling or auto mechanics, varies widely, and Unger warns students to be wary of unethical operators.
Not just any vocational education or training will do. The trick is to find reputable, high-quality programs and to avoid con artists and dead-end programs, advises Unger. Look for programs that are accredited, offer in-depth academic and vocational instruction, teach real skills for real jobs, provide hands-on work experience, help students in job-hunting, and are linked to potential employers.
Too often, Unger argues, parents push their reluctant children to go to college. Many drop out. “We are forcing hundreds of thousands of kids to go to college and they clearly do not want to be there,” he says. What about high school graduates who don't want college and don't know what to do next? Start by visiting your school guidance office or library to thumb through The Occupational Outlook Handbook published every two years by the U.S. Labor Department. It offers nuts-and-bolts descriptions of jobs and the training required.
Think about what interests you—sports, music, gardening, whatever—and what jobs let you pursue that interest, advises Unger. Visit people who do these jobs. Ask questions.
21.especially 22.alternative 23.degree 24.aides 25.vocition 26.specializing 27.range 28.institutes 29.trick 30.reputable 31.accredited 32.potential 33.reluctant 34.descriptions 35.pursure
