According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor, 68.6 percent of 2008 high school students enrolled in colleges of universities; however, a new study partially paid for by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says that fewer than 55 percent of four-year college students graduate with a degree within six years.
Not all high school graduates will attend college, and many won't be successful. Parents should work with students during the high school years to determine goals and make plans for their lives after high school.
The following information about alternatives to college may help in planning your student's future after he/she graduates from high school.
A Career in the Trades
A great deal of emphasis is placed on attending college in order to get a good high-paying job, but a career in the trades – from plumbing to highly skilled metal work – can be a very lucrative and rewarding career. Students who like working hands-on, who do well in math and/or science, and who enjoy challenges and problem solving, may be well suited to a career ina skilled trade. Some examples of these careers are the following: automotive technician, carpenter, electrician, HVAC, aviation mechanic, plumber, and welder.
And now is a better time than ever to begin working in these fields. Demand for skilled crafts people and salaries have never been greater. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has extimated that between 2004 and 2014 there will be 40 million job openings for workers who do not have a bachelor's degree.
The Bottom Line
One reason why a career in the trades is such a great option for non-college bound students is compensation. Skilled laborers’ salaries far exceed those of minimum-wage jobs and the benefits are also very appealing: health and dental insurance, pensions and other perks are all common when a person works in a skilled trade. Additionally, many employees can learn a trade through apprenticeship program and get paid while they learn.
Web Sites for Research
The following websites will give you information about each listing:
Computer professionals – aitp.org/index.jsp computer.org www.stc.org
Electrical and electronics engineers – www.ieee.org (click on About IEEE and Education)
HVAC, plumbing and related careers – www.phccweb.org (click on "Eucational Foundation”) Manufacturing and related services – www.sme.org gettech.org
Students – www.skillsusa.org
Truck drivers – www.ptdi.org
To explore other vocational and technical training options and compare different schools, visit www.trade-schools.net. We also have a great local resource for technical training at MSCC.
Military Service as a Career
An alternative for students who do not want to go to college or to a trade school, or for those that cannot afford pay for tuition or training, is the military. The military will train the recruits in a variety of jobs and may provide money for college.
Steps that should be taken when considering a military career are the following:
1. Take the ASVAB, the Armed Services Vocational Apptitude Battery. Your student can prepare for the test online,
and the higher his/her score, the more training options will be available to him/her.
2. After taking the ASVAB, your student should meet with a recruiter to determine options. The recruiter will be able to tell your student what he/she is qualified for.
3. Consider the options available for your student. He/She should determine long term goals and choose the option most closely related to those goals. He/She should also consider the possibility of using the military training once he/she is no longer enlisted.
4. Make sure you get everything in writing from guaranteed career to education benefits. Don't assume the recruiter's promise is good enough.
If you are considering a career in the military, you will need to talk to each branch to see which one serves you the best. Following is a list of the branches web sites and phone numbers you may use to contact them.
Military Contact Information
Air Force: The Air Force calls its recruiters advisers. At http://www.Airforce.com, you can do a quick search to find the nearest recruitment center. You can also chat online with an adviser or fill out a form to request more information. The web site also answers questions about commitment, benefits and life in the Air Force. Or, call (800) 423-USAF (423-8723)
Army: The Army’s Web site, http://www.GoArmy.com, answers questions about service options, commitment and benefits. It also has a “live chat” option through which you can asks recruiters questions. No computer? Call (800) USA-ARMY (872-2769) and ask to speak with a recruiter in your area.
Coast Guard: The U.S. Coast Guard Web site, http://www.GoCoastGuard.com, has a local recruiter search and information about the Coast Guard’s responsibilities. The site also answers questions about benefits and entry requirements. Call the Coast Guard at (800) 434-USCG (438-8724).
Marines: The Marine Corps Web site, http://www.Marines.com, has a parent guide, information about life in the Corp and an interactive history of the Corps. Fill out an online form to request more information, or call (800) MARINES (627-4637).
National Guard: Going for a degree? The Army National Guard can help get you there. As a member of the elite forces serving your country, you can receive money to pay for college through the Montgomery GI Bill and Tuition Assistance. Join a team that will help you through school—in the Army National Guard, You Can.
Go to the Web site, www.1-800-GO-Guard.com or call 1-800-GO-GUARD (464-8273).
Navy: Visit http://www.Navy.com to read more about life in the Navy. The Web site has an interactive quiz, the Life Accelerator, to help students focus their career interests. Students can also do a quick search to find local recruiting centers or do an online chat with a recruiter. Call the Navy at (800) USA-NAVY (872-6289).
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