Vocational Training Programs – California’s Best-Kept Secret

Vocational training programs represent a golden opportunity for the 35% of California teenagers who are currently out of work. Not only does vocational education provide recent high school graduates with the training and experience necessary to start their careers quickly, but it also offers the most-realistic path to employment for the nearly one-in-four Californians who drop out of high school every year.

What are Vocational Training Programs?

Also commonly referred to as career training, job training or any number of other names, vocational training programs are classes that teach students the exact skills required to work in a specific job. For those who dream of becoming a medical assistant, fashion designer, auto mechanic, or even a video game designer, vocational schools in California offer programs that can help reach that goal – even if the student isn’t the four-year college type.

Classes are fast-paced and focus only on teaching students material that is relevant to their chosen profession. The majority of programs also provide a significant amount of hands-on experience working with professionals in the student’s field of study as part of their curriculum. In short, students have everything they need to start working as soon as they complete the program.

Who Can Enroll in Vocational Training Programs?

While most vocational training programs do prefer students to be high school graduates or have a G.E.D., many schools will accept applicants without diplomas if they can pass an entrance exam or provide other supporting materials (letters of recommendation, etc.) with their applications. The Admissions staff at most schools will work with those applicants who show a strong desire to succeed, to find a solution to any difficulties in gaining entrance to the program.

How Much Does Vocational Training Cost?

Depending on the program and the school that a student enrolls in, vocational training can cost anywhere from a few thousand dollars to upwards of $60,000. Fortunately, both state and federal financial aid is available to qualified students – including grants that can sometimes cover the entire cost of a student’s education. Most vocational schools also provide some form of financial assistance to qualified applicants.

Why Vocational Training Works for California

As mentioned at the outset, nearly 25% of California high school students do not graduate. In a tough economy where even college graduates are struggling to find work, the job prospects are slim for someone without a diploma or previous work experience.

Vocational training offers a solution to this dilemma for young people who did not complete their secondary education, but are focused on finding a career. Easier admission standards, financial assistance with tuition costs, flexible schedules for those with other commitments (e.g. young mothers), and the opportunity to get to work quickly, all combine to make California’s vocational training programs an opportunity that is too good to pass up.

Recommended Trade Schools in California!

Intercoast Colleges

Get your career started with Intercoast Colleges. We offer a number of certificate programs in a variety of fields, including medical, allied health, massage therapy, nursing, and electrical training.

Programs:

• HVAC Technician
• Electrical Training Program

Locations: Carson, Elk Grove, Orange, More...

UEI College

UEI College can give you the real world medical, business, and technology skills you need to start a rewarding career. Let us know how we can assist you with your personal growth by helping you train for your perfect career.

Programs:

• Automotive Technician

Locations: Gardena

Penn Foster Schools

Penn Foster offers affordable, self-paced career-focused distance education programs in fields like business, criminal justice, health services, technology, engineering, paralegal studies and more.

Programs:

• Auto Repair Technician
• Carpenter
• Home Remodeling & Repair
• And more...

Ashworth College

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Auto Mechanics
• Carpentry
• Heating and Air Conditioning
• And more...

Charter College

You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.

Programs:

• Diploma - HVAC

Locations: Lancaster

Institute of Technology

You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.

For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.iot.edu/disclosure.

Programs:

• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning

Locations: Redding, Clovis, Modesto, More...

Mayfield College

Give your career a boost with an education from Mayfield College. Our academic programs include medical front office, computer support technician, and general office management.

What's another reason that makes Mayfield College the right choice? Students receive a new computer when they graduate.

Programs:

• HVAC/R

Locations: Cathedral City