Women And Men Will See Improvement Of Their Lives And Careers With College Distance Learning Programs
If you’re interested in continuing your studies but haven’t yet decided on a major, you might consider areas where jobs are available or are expected to open. That’s where vocational training might help. It’s intended to help students gain the skills they need to obtain jobs.
Even in the midst of massive layoffs, employers can’t find enough skilled workers, according to information in an Inside Higher Education article. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections suggest that 45 percent of job openings over the next decade are to be in positions ranging from construction supervisors and machinists to dental hygienists and paralegals, the article noted. Vocational training might prepare students for specific careers such as these.
“Green” jobs that are associated with the environment are also expected to be in demand, according to reports citing that worldwide professionals recommend high school-to-career training that’s aligned with workforce needs and includes jobs such as these. One speaker at a London “Going Global” conference reported that vocational education has for 10 years played an important role in Europe, the Chronicle of Higher Education reported. In Australia, 225,000 foreign students enrolled in vocational programs in 2009, which was 25,000 more than those who enrolled in university degree programs, a Chronicle news item noted.
Students can opt for vocational programs that take two years or less to complete, allowing them the potential to enter the workforce more quickly. They can pursue vocational training at the undergraduate or graduate level. Campus and online college, university and career and technical schools offer a variety of options. Pursuing an online degree can be particularly appealing to working students.
Completing vocational training within two years or less can result in a certificate or an associate’s degree. Information in a “32 Trends Affecting Distance Learning” report suggests that some employers might view certificates, along with hands-on experience, extremely desirable. Those who want to advance existing credentials might find vocational programs offered also into the doctorate degree level.
When seeking out a campus or online college, university or career or technical school, students might want to look toward those that are accredited, according to the Department of Education. Students pursuing studies at institutions that are accredited by national and regional agencies might be more able to transfer credits and obtain tuition assistance, the Department of Education reports. The Department of Education and others caution students against “diploma mills” or “degree mills” that offer worthless degrees with little to no education required.
The Automotive Hall of Fame and The Home Depot make available especially for vocational education, according to a Bankrate.com article. Local labor unions might help with tuition assistance. A Trade Adjustment Assistance Program helps American workers who have lost their jobs to overseas competition pay for training, according to the Bankrate.com report. The Department of Labor offers grants to help young and dislocated workers transition into “green” jobs, such as hybrid automobile technicians, weatherization specialists, wind and energy auditors and solar panel installers, the Bankrate.com article reported.
Large corporations, non-profit organizations and civic and community groups also offer scholarships, fellowships and grants for college, both traditional and college distance learning programs. These forms of tuition assistance typically don’t have to be repaid and can be used at most accredited online universities. The U.S. Department of Education has a list of accredited institutions and programs on its web site.