Vocational School
How to Select the Right One Near Birmingham Alabama
Enrolling in a vocational school near Birmingham AL with the ultimate goal of starting a new career can be a life changing achievement that must be carefully researched and planned for. But just how do you accomplish finding the right one with so many vocational schools to choose from? Not only do you have to confirm that you will obtain the comprehensive training needed to succeed in your new profession, but also that the school is reputable and well regarded. A number of prospective students make the mistake of selecting a trade school simply because the campus is closest to their home or place of employment. Next, they compare tuition and typically settle on the lowest cost. Naturally the location and cost of the training are significant factors when analyzing trade school options, but they must not be the sole ones. Added considerations such as the completion rates and accreditation of the schools are critical also. So prior to beginning your evaluations and comparing trade schools, you must know what questions to ask so you can get the information to make a final choice. We will review several of those questions shortly in this post. But first, let's talk about some of the trade options that are available as well as the accessibility of online programs.
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Trade School Career Options
There are a number of trades to pick from in vocational schools that offer rewarding and good paying careers. Perhaps you have already chosen one that you have for years desired to pursue. For example, maybe you have always enjoyed working on your car and have given thought to utilizing that skill to earn a living as a car mechanic. Or maybe a relative has had a long and successful career in a specific trade or vocation and you would love to follow in his or her footsteps. Regardless of what your motivation is for entering a trade, there is probably a program available that will provide the training you require. Below is just a small representation of the trade school programs that are available in the Birmingham AL area.
- Auto Mechanic
- Heating and Cooling (HVAC) Tech
- Plumber
- Electrician
- Welding
- Truck Driving
- Aircraft Maintenance Tech
- Lab Technician
- Construction Management
Each of the programs will have differing completion times and costs depending on the trade, type of credential and school. Some of the programs may be completed in just weeks, while others will call for months or even 2 or more years of instruction. Each of these aspects must be taken into account prior to selecting a vocation and school.
Online Vocational Schools
Trade Schools online have become very popular with Birmingham AL students and a growing number of accredited programs are becoming available. Even though learning online is a very convenient and accessible way to obtain a certificate or degree, it might not be the best option for all trades or vocations. For instance, training to drive a semi truck is not something that you can accomplish online, nor is learning how to weld. These are skills that must be acquired through practical training and by doing it, not by reading about it or watching videos. But certain components of the training may be appropriate for online classes, for instance studying safety and driving regulations for trucking schools or learning about metallurgy or how to read blueprints for welding schools. Some programs will incorporate online instruction with on campus lab work, such as for HVAC or plumbing schools. So it is essential to find out before choosing an online program for any trade if there is a suitable amount of hands-on training devoted to the course of study. One way to help ensure that a trade school program is both appropriate for online studying and provides in-depth practical training is to verify that it's accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting organization (more on accreditation later). For those trades that are appropriate for online training, it can be a practical way for individuals with time constraints to acquire a new vocation.
Things to Ask Trade Schools
When you have selected the vocation and type of certificate or degree that you desire to acquire, either online or on campus, you can start to decrease your list of schools. As you are no doubt aware, there are many vocational schools in the Birmingham AL area and throughout the Country to select from. That's why it is imperative to have a list of relevant qualifications when making school evaluations. As earlier stated in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will probably be the first two variables you will look at. Following are some additional ones that you need to explore before enrolling in your school of choice.
Accreditation. A large number of Birmingham AL area technical programs have attained either a regional or a national accreditation. They may attain Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school's programs as a whole, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to an individual program, for example HVAC technology. Make certain that the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education approved accrediting agency, for example the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. In addition to helping make certain that you obtain an excellent education, it can assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are in many cases unavailable for non-accredited programs. Additionally, some states require that the training program be accredited in order to qualify for licensing where applicable.
How Long in Operation? One clue to help measure the quality of a vocational school near Birmingham AL is how long it has been in business. A poorly rated or a fly by night school typically will not be in business very long, so longevity is a big plus. On the other hand, even the best of schools had to begin from their first day of training, so use it as one of multiple qualifications.
Completion Rates. Ask the tech schools you are looking at what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the portion or percentage of students who enroll in and finish the program. A low completion rate may signify that students were dissatisfied with the course and dropped out. It could also mean that the instructors were not qualified to train the students. It's also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a more extensive list of graduates, which can result in more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only validate that the school has an excellent reputation within the trade, but additionally that it has the network of contacts to help graduates obtain apprenticeships or employment in the Birmingham AL area.
Apprenticeship Programs. Numerous trade programs are taught in conjunction with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating trade and technical schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of contractors or labor unions. Find out if the schools you are comparing have referring partnerships with Birmingham AL area companies in the field. An apprenticeship not only offers a valuable experience by providing practical training, but it also provides job opportunities and helps to build relationships in the local professional community.
Modern Facilities. Confirm that the school facilities and the tools that you will be trained on are state-of-the-art and what you will be working with in the field. If you are presently in an internship or an apprenticeship, talk to the tech you are working with regarding what you should be looking for. If not, ask a local Birmingham AL contracting company if they can give you some pointers. Also keep in mind that unless you can relocate, the school must be within driving distance of your residence. Take note that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, in addition to relocation costs there may be increased tuition charges compared to in-state residents.
Smaller Classes. It's important that you get as much individualized training as possible, which can be difficult in larger classes. Ask if you can sit in on a couple of the classes so that you can see how large they are and witness first hand the interaction between students and teachers. Talk with several of the students and get their feedback relating to class sizes and instruction. Last, talk to a few of the instructors and find out what their level of experience is in Alabama and what certifications or degrees they have earned.
Flexible Scheduling. Make sure that the class schedules for the programs you are evaluating are flexible enough to meet your needs. If you are only able to go to classes in the evening or on weekends near Birmingham AL, check that the programs you are considering provide those options. If you can only attend part-time, make sure that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Additionally, ask what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, illness or family issues.
Find Out More About Vocational Schools in Birmingham
Enroll in the Right Birmingham Vocational School
Enrolling in the right trade school near Birmingham AL is a critical beginning toward a fulfilling career in the vocation of your choice. As we have discussed in this article, you should select a technical school and a degree or certificate program that are both accredited and have excellent reputations within the field. Other features to look for are plenty of practical training and modern facilities. You should go to each of the schools personally that you are most interested in to tour the campus and speak with both the current students and faculty. Attempt to get a feel for the quality of the instruction and the interaction between them. Also, ask about scheduling choices and if evening or weekend classes are offered if needed. And don't forget to ask about financial assistance and student loan options as well. If you ask the appropriate questions as we have detailed in our checklist for comparing schools, you'll be able to filter your options so that you can make an informed decision. With the appropriate training, hard work and commitment, you can ultimately become a licensed professional in your chosen trade.
Birmingham Vocational Training | Birmingham Technical Colleges