Going to college is the goal for many Americans. But books can only teach you so much about a specialized, hands-on trade. No one learns to configure computer networks or repair commercial refrigeration equipment by sitting in a lecture hall. Technical schools offer the comprehensive, job-focused training you need.
What Is a Technical School?
Technical schools are post-secondary education programs that provide specialized training in a specific trade. Job-focused, the curriculum emphasizes the hands-on skills that are directly related to your chosen profession.
Why Choose Technical School Training?
Technical training is ideal for students pursuing careers in trade or technical fields.
Schools provide:
Programs for Everyone
Technical schools were once associated only with trades, but they offer a wide range of programs extending to technical and healthcare fields. A single school may offer dozens of exciting options, many of which train students for more than one possible career path.
A Practical Education
Career-focused training programs cover the specific skills employers in your field expect. You won’t have to sit through a poetry course to earn a diploma in network engineering. Courses are focused on the skills you need to succeed in your chosen industry; there are no distractions.
Quick Entry into the Workforce
A technical education prepares you for entry-level positions in your field. Programs range from 6 to 24 months, depending on the credential you want to earn. Additional training or an apprenticeship may be required for some roles. But with a diploma, you’ll earn a paycheck in months, not years.
Marketable Skills
The job market is changing faster than students can keep up. Degrees that once had value are now obsolete before they’re printed. Technical schools teach only vocations that are in high demand. You’ll learn relevant and often transferable skills with an immediate return on investment.
An Entrepreneurial Pathway
If you’ve ever wanted to own a business, a technical school education could be the start of something big. Whether you prefer to work alone or command a fleet of technicians, training plus experience in HVAC, computer technology, and accounting can equal a lucrative business opportunity.
How Does a Technical School Help Me Get an Education?
Technical schools attract a broad range of students, many of whom need more from their education than what traditional colleges offer. Enrollment is rising as more people embrace the advantages.
The perks include the following:
A Complete Curriculum
Degree programs include general education courses. The goal is to broaden students’ horizons with knowledge beyond their field. Technical schools approach learning differently, choosing to emphasize only job-related learning. The curriculum is less extensive but just as comprehensive. It’s a shorter path to a new career but never a shortcut.
Accessibility
Traditional 4-year college programs have strict admission requirements, and space is limited. Even well-qualified students may be rejected because of a “C” in sophomore chemistry or the lack of foreign language credits. Technical schools have less stringent academic criteria, preferring to rely on students’ desire to learn as a predictor of success versus SAT or ACT scores.
Whether you’re a first-time student or an older adult looking to change careers, programs are open to anyone motivated to learn. All you need to apply is a high school diploma or a general equivalency certificate and the desire to learn.
Timely Admissions
The 4-year college admission process starts more than a year before classes begin. That’s a long time to wait for anyone but high school students. Most technical colleges have shorter enrollment cycles and a rolling admissions policy, meaning there are no fixed application deadlines, and applications are reviewed as soon as they’re submitted for the next available start date.
Small Class Sizes
Smaller class sizes nurture stronger relationships between students, peers, and teachers. Instructors can better meet the unique needs of each individual in a more supportive, engaging, and creative environment.
The personalized attention you receive improves your motivation to learn and builds confidence; no one is left behind. Problems are addressed, achievements are celebrated, and students feel empowered to spread their wings.
Flexible Scheduling
Most technical schools offer lifestyle-friendly scheduling options whenever possible, including evening classes, online or hybrid courses, and part-time or accelerated programs. Having the flexibility to work quickly and on time allows you to balance education, work, and personal commitments. For students who need to earn while they learn, choosing when to work and when to go to class eliminates financial barriers to higher education.
Interactive Training
Technical education is interactive, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios. The laboratory or workshop reinforces what you learn in the classroom through case studies and hands-on activities. Technical schools invest in modern equipment and facilities to ensure students access the latest technologies.
You’ll be familiarized with the tools and equipment used in your profession, graduating work-ready and with a sense of confidence.
Instructor Mentorship
Technical school instructors are more than just teachers; they’re mentors. Industry-seasoned, they bring real-world experience to the classroom, providing encouragement and insights into potential career paths and professional development opportunities. They also offer guidance on workplace etiquette, employer expectations, and industry trends, facilitating a smoother transition from the classroom to the workplace.
Networking Opportunities
Networking with others in your chosen industry is crucial for cultivating job prospects. Each connection you make expands your field of influence. Technical schools support your efforts to reach employers and future colleagues by hosting job fairs, meet-and-greets, alum events, and professional development workshops.
Licensing and Certification Prep
Technical school curricula are developed with educators, businesses, and professional organizations. The content aligns with industry standards, practices, and certification options. Courses cover the material found on licensing and certification exams, preparing students to earn nationally-recognized credentials that make them more competitive job applicants.
Career Services
Technical schools establish partnerships with industry employers, providing businesses with a ready pool of qualified applicants to fill their best positions. Graduates benefit by being in the right place at the right time. Advisers will work with you to find apprenticeships and employment opportunities upon graduation.
What Technical Programs Does ICT Offer?
Interactive College of Technology offers programs in trade, healthcare, and business. These programs include:
- Accounting and Professional Business Applications
- Business Information Systems
- Business Management
- Commercial Refrigeration
- Human Resources Management
- HVAC
- HVAC/R
- Information Technology
- Medical Office Administration
- Vocational English as a Second Language
- Continuing Education
Whether you’re looking to enter a new career path quickly, advance your career, improve your English skills, or focus on relevant continued education, we have a variety of technical program options to meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
Enrollment in technical schools is growing fast as fewer students attend a 4-year college. The need for skilled workers in trade, healthcare, and technical fields that don’t require degrees has never been higher, so job opportunities are plentiful. Getting the training you need to build your desired future can be challenging. Still, technical schools are creating a more robust workforce by making programs more relevant and accessible to a broader group of people. It’s education the way it was meant to be.
Want to Learn More?
Interactive College of Technology offers technical programs that can help you get started on a new career or advance your current one. You’ll get hands-on vocational training, industry recognized certifications, and real-world experience prior to graduation! We also offer continuing education courses to refresh and build on your technical skills.
Contact us now to learn more.
