From Career Interests to Choosing the Right School

So, maybe you've identified your ideal career—or maybe you're still weighing your options. You might have multiple career interests and need to narrow them down. This is a crucial stage in your decision-making process, and one of the best ways to do that is by weighing the pros and cons of your career options.

While it's important to consider how much you like the career, how long training takes, working hours in the field, and earning potential, you should also think about the location of schools, cost of programs, time to enter the program, employability in your area (or where you plan to move), and school hours for your chosen program.

Researching Schools That Offer Your Program

Once you’ve narrowed down your career choice, start by researching schools near you that offer the program. Compare costs, program offerings, and structure. Some key steps to take include:

✔ Visit the Schools – Seeing the facilities in person gives you a better sense of the learning environment.

✔ Meet the Instructors – These are the experts in the field, and they can offer insight beyond what’s available online.

✔ Ask Questions – Find out information you can’t easily find online, such as class structure, job placement support, and industry connections.

✔ Learn About the Program Schedule – Find out how long the program lasts, what the class schedule is like, and whether it fits your personal and work commitments.

✔ Understand the Certifications You’ll Receive – Determine what certifications you will obtain during and after completion of the program. Some certifications may be required for employment, while others can give you a competitive edge in the job market.

Exploring Your Best Fit

Most schools host community events, open houses, and shadowing opportunities. If they don’t, simply asking about a visit often results in an invitation. Schools want students who will commit to their programs, and they benefit when prospective students meet their instructors and tour their facilities (whether it's a shop, kitchen, lab, or worksite). If you take the time to check them out and still feel confident in your choice, your chances of success increase.

Finding Schools Near You

To begin your search for a career and technical school, try using online tools such as:

✔ Google Search – Look up phrases like “career and technical schools near me” or “technical college near me” to find options in your area.

✔ O*NET Online – Use O*NET Online to explore training opportunities related to your chosen career interests by selecting an occupation and navigating to the 'Training & Credentials' section.

✔ CareerOneStop Training Finder – Visit CareerOneStop.org to find schools and training programs near you.

Understanding the Reality of Career & Technical Schools

Career and technical schools aren’t like traditional high schools or what you see in movies. That’s why visiting the school of your interest is essential to fully understand the experience. The structure is different, and your instructors are industry experts, not traditional teachers. Their expertise lies in their field, not in study skills or engaging lesson planning. You shouldn’t expect them to create elaborate, engaging lessons with various learning aids tailored for all types of learners. They will not chase you to learn; you will need to be a self-starter.

There are myths about career and technical schools that “you will be shown everything” or that “you just get to see and do.” While hands-on learning is a significant part of these programs, the reality is that you will also need to read, comprehend, and learn from textbooks just like in other postsecondary education settings. Success in a CTE program requires both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.

The Importance of Staying Local

Choosing a school near home allows you to stay connected to family and friends, who can be an important support system during your training. Balancing school and work can be challenging, and having a familiar support network can make a big difference in staying motivated and reaching your career goals.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Future

Now that you know what to look for in a school, take action! Research local programs, visit schools, and talk to instructors to ensure the best fit for your goals. Start by using tools like O*NET Online or CareerOneStop Training Finder to explore your options. Your career future starts with the right training—so take the first step today!