Are you looking for more than a job? If so, consider attending a vocational school. Do you have 4-years to devote to your education? If the answer is no, then a vocational school may be right college for you. At a vocational school, you learn what you need to start an entry-level position in as little as one year, attending full-time.
What is a Vocational School?
A vocational school, also known as a technical or trade school, offers highly targeted vocational training to prepare students for entry-level vocations in many different industries including business, technology, and healthcare. Some vocational schools offer diplomas and degrees, while others prepare students for certifications and license exams.
What are the Benefits of Attending a Vocational School?
There are many benefits to attending a vocational school. From getting a quick start in a new career to career services to find your first job in the industry and everything in between. Taking the time to attend a vocational school is a great way to prepare for your future.
A Quick Start
Unlike a 4-year college, most vocational programs can be completed in as little as a year, attending full-time. During a vocational program, you learn only what you need to get an entry-level position and start a new career. No need for 17th century art history classes, you learn exactly what you need to know and nothing more.
Complete Curriculum
Vocational programs offer community inspired curriculum enhanced by local employers in the field. Many vocational schools have strong ties with local employers, and they work together to create a curriculum that prepares you for entry-level position.
Whether you want to learn information technology or HVAC, vocational schools lay a basic foundation of knowledge and build upon it with each class in the program. There are many opportunities to practice your craft, from computer labs and student run salons to workshops and externships. Vocational schools are hands-on and supplement in-class lecture with real world experience. Nothing is better than practice, and you will get a lot of it at a vocational school.
Industry Experienced Instructors
Vocational schools hire industry experienced instructors to guide you through the curriculum, offering one-on-one attention every step of the way. No one is left behind because instructors can offer an education tailored to the individual student. Everyone learns differently, and vocational schools understand this. They hire instructors that can create a curriculum that every student can follow and answer any questions that you may have about the coursework.
Linked-Minded Classmates
Another benefit of attending a vocational school is learning alongside like-minded classmates. You never know who you will meet and become friends with. Not only are classmates great for creating study groups but you may even network with classmates to help find a job when you graduate.
Career Services
The best benefit of attending a vocational school is the career services department. Vocational schools help you build a resume that gets noticed, prepares you for interviews by phone, in-person and with hiring managers, and sets up job fairs with local organizations in the community that are looking for vocational school graduates to join their team.
What are Some of the Programs That a Vocational School Offers?
There are many programs that vocational schools offer. From healthcare, computers, and technology to trades and administrative support, figure out what you are passionate about and find the industry that fits their passion.
Accounting
Vocational schools that offer accounting and professional business applications programs prepare you for entry-level positions in accounting departments, as office managers and working at small businesses. You learn about accounts payable and receivable, payroll, general ledgers, accounting reporting, data entry and office automation.
Whether you are looking for a diploma to start working as a business professional to manage accounting with software like QuickBooks or want an advanced degree to work in cost accounting or federal tax procedure, vocational schools offer hands-on training to prepare you for a career in payroll administration. This program can also include an externship at an actual business to help you get real world experience.
Business Information Systems
Many businesses depend on technology including Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop to operate every single day. They also depend on the skilled professionals who manage that technology, that’s you. A business information systems program teaches you how to work with the most widely used business software applications. Start a new role as a project manager, desktop publisher or event manager and put your Microsoft Office, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop skills to the test.
Business Management
This program will prepare you to manage teams, understand legal issues, excel in customer service relations, master the fundamentals of running a small business, and learn marketing strategies, light accounting, ethical conduct and standards, and personnel management. This program also offers you both people and resources management knowledge and skills. At the end of this program, you will be able to plan budgets and set business goals.
HVAC & HVAC/R
This trade teaches you the craft of heating, ventilation, air condition and refrigeration. You will learn about residential air conditioning and heating systems, the principles of electrical circuits, the fundamentals of low voltage controls and thermostats as well as customer service and safety. This program also includes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certifications in the management of refrigerants and North American Technicians Excellence (NATE) Certifications.
Human Resources Management
If you are interested in working in human resources, then a degree in human resources management will prepare you for an entry-level position as an HR assistant, compliance specialist or human resource specialist. This program teaches you how to recruit, hire and train employees. It also teaches employee development, payroll, and benefits administration.
Information Technology
Most organizations and individuals own multiple computers and devices. All of those devices need a computer support specialist, hardware administrator or help desk support specialist to diagnose, repair, and maintain the device’s hardware, software and networks. During this program, you will prepare for industry recognized certifications from CompTIA and Microsoft. You will manage network security systems, cloud services and virtualizations. You will also enjoy real-life experience at actual organizations.
Medical Office Administration
Whether you are looking to work in a support staff capacity at a hospital, physician’s office, or other medical facility, you will need the skills of a medical office administrator to help run the day-to-day operations. During this program, you learn about medical billing and coding, customer relations, HIPAA, OSHA, and JCAHO as well as many other clerical duties that will support the nurses and physicians, helping them see more patients.
Want to Learn More?
Now that you know what a vocational school is, it is time to learn more about Interactive College of Technology. At Interactive College of Technology, we offer career-focused programs and training that can help you get started in a new career or advance your current one. You’ll get hands-on training, industry recognized certifications, and real-world experience prior to graduation! We also offer continuing education courses to refresh and build on your current skills.
Let’s take the first step together! Contact us now to learn more.
