Career Training Schools an Option for Unemployed
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Career training schools can offer a new chance in the job market to unemployed Americans looking to upgrade or learn new job skills.
Some job seekers are finding that opportunities in their field have disappeared in recent years, and career training schools offer a wide range of opportunities, according to Connecticut Better Business Bureau President, Paulette Scarpetti.
“We know the job market has changed and some people who are worn out looking for opportunities in their field are deciding they might have a better chance with a career change or updated skills.”
A career training school, also known as a vocational, trade, or technical school, should be investigated as carefully as any other service. Whether the training program is in automobile mechanics, computer programming, practical nursing, locksmithing or any other vocational career area, it is important to make an informed choice.
•Obtain catalogs or bulletins from several schools, both public and private, that offer the training you are seeking. Is the school accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education? Is it licensed by the state Department of Education?
•Compare the courses, rates of completion, and job placement percentages with those being offered in your community by public schools, community colleges, nonprofit and for-profit schools.
•Talk to employers in your field of interest. Tell them your objectives and ask them if training in a career school would qualify you for a job.
•Visit the school and inspect its facilities and equipment. Are they the same as described in the school's printed materials?
•Find out about instructors’ qualifications. What are the teacher-to-student ratio and teacher turnover rate?
•Include the costs of tuition, books, materials, lab equipment, financial assistance, residence and meals before signing a contract. Ask for details on the cancellation and refund policy.
•Know the requirements for and terms of any financial aid program. Get the facts about the institution backing loans, grants, or work study programs; how and when funds are dispersed; and how loans are repaid.
Be wary if a school guarantees you job placement or makes promises about how much money you will make. An accredited school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education cannot legally make such guarantees. It can, however, provide you with written statistics on past graduates, their jobs and their employers. As part of your research, check out trade school’s Reliability Reports at http://www.bbb.org.
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