Helping your child find the right college is a great responsibility for any parent. However, guiding a son or daughter, who isn’t interested in a traditional college education or doesn’t have the right aptitude, is an even greater burden. Rest assured that there are other avenues to a meaningful, relevant and successful future instead of a four-year degree.
Encourage your student to think as broadly as possible about their future and understand the end result may look nothing like the traditional college experience. In many cases, the right technical school will offer your child the opportunity to follow his dream while learning the skills to command a rewarding living.
As a parent, consider the following questions if faced with a student who is not interested in attending college.
Isn’t a four-year college degree critical for a successful career?
Not necessarily. Even though it is a fundamental American belief that every child should pursue an advanced education, the pathway could be traditional or technical depending on the student’s interest. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor estimates there are more than 50 million jobs that don’t require a college degree, but most of these jobs do require skills available from a technical school.
Can a technical school be the right fit?
Since the right technical school may involve leaving home, it is especially important for your child to feel comfortable at a school where a central focus is on learning. Check out the school and, if possible, take a tour of the campus and classrooms to gain a sense of the environment and support between the students and staff. Ask administrators about support services to assist students in finding housing or part-time jobs.
Will my child’s learning style be considered?
A technical school should offer a program that evaluates and supports your student’s learning style so he can be successful. Technical schools offer skills-based education for individuals seeking careers as professional automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle and marine technicians. Programs include a balance of hands-on learning and classroom instruction, so all students have an opportunity to learn in a format which comes naturally to them.
Do technical schools offer financial aid?
Technical students are generally eligible for Federal Title IV financial aid, but some schools offer additional funds to support technical education. As a 503(c)3 nonprofit, the UTI Foundation provides qualified students with scholarships and grants. Major consideration is placed on students’ character references and personal essays expressing their desire to receive a technical education in a particular field.
Some foundations may offer other supportive programs to technical students. For example, Student Emergency Funds can provide eligible students with food, toiletries and clothing, as well as grants for such critical expenses as rent, utilities and healthcare bills.
What can we expect after graduation?
First, consider the current and future job demands for the technical industry. Job placement assistance is an important service that all technical schools should offer. Understanding the school’s relationship with leading industry manufacturers is important when evaluating the school’s placement percentage. Key relationships with manufacturers, coupled with job skills that are in demand, help schools place their graduates in jobs following graduation.
Students earning a technical degree can earn comfortable incomes and good benefits. With the right accreditations and experience, some graduates command six-figure incomes. Look for both high placement numbers and advancement opportunities after earning a technical degree when helping your student select a school.
Perhaps your child is caught in a dead-end job or is “drifting,” having never made it through their sophomore year of college. According to American College Testing, 25 percent of college-age students fall into this category. Take the time to talk with your child to understand why he left school. Were they unchallenged or uninspired? Discover what their passion is in life. A technical school that focuses in that industry may be an attractive option for them. And, they can usually complete their technical programs in about 12-18 months.
There are many pathways to a child’s fulfilling and successful life. Helping them discover and get on the right path now will make a significant impact on their future.
Veronica K. Meury is the Vice President & Executive Director of the UTI Foundation.
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