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Questions to Ask Trade Schools
Once you have selected the vocation and type of degree or certificate that you want to attain, either online or on campus, you can begin to limit your list of schools. As you are no doubt aware, there are many technical schools in the Cerritos CA area and all over the USA to choose from. That's why it is imperative to have a checklist of key qualifiers when making school evaluations. As previously mentioned in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will undoubtedly be the initial two factors you will consider. Following are some additional ones that you will want to explore before enrolling in your school of choice.
Accredited. A large number of Cerritos CA area trade schools have earned either a regional or a national accreditation. They can attain Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school's programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which pertains to a specific program, for instance HVAC technology. Make sure that the school and program are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency, which includes the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping guarantee that you receive a superior education, it can assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are frequently unavailable for non-accredited schools. Additionally, many states mandate that the training course be accredited in order to be approved for licensing where applicable.
How Long in Business? One clue to help determine the quality of a trade school near Cerritos CA is how long it has been in business. A negatively reviewed or a fly by night school normally will not stay in business very long, so longevity is a big plus. However, even the top schools had to begin from their first day of training, so consider it as one of several qualifications.
Completion Rates. Ask the trade schools you are looking at what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage of students who enroll in and complete the program. A lower completion rate might signify that students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. It could also mean that the instructors were not qualified to instruct the students. It's also important that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader directory of graduates, which can produce more contacts for the school to utilize for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the field, but additionally that it has the network of contacts to assist grads secure apprenticeships or employment in the Cerritos CA area.
Apprenticeship Programs. Most technical programs are taught along with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating trade and vocational schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of businesses or labor unions. Ask if the schools you are considering have working partnerships with Cerritos CA area specialists in the trade. An apprenticeship not only offers a valuable experience by furnishing hands-on training, but it also furnishes job opportunities and helps to build relationships in the area professional community.
Modern Facilities. Make certain that the school facilities and the tools that you will be instructed on are up-to-date and what you will be using in the field. If you are already in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the specialist you are working under concerning what you should be looking for. Otherwise, ask a local Cerritos CA contractor if they can give you some pointers. Also keep in mind that unless you are willing to relocate, the school needs to be within commuting distance of your home. Remember that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added relocation costs there might be higher tuition fees compared to in-state residents.
Smaller Classes. It's important that you get as much one-on-one training as possible, which can be difficult in larger classes. Ask if you can sit in on some of the classes so that you can observe how big they are and witness first hand the interaction between students and instructors. Speak to several of the students and get their opinions relating to class sizes and instruction. Last, speak to a few of the instructors and find out what their level of experience is in California and what certifications or degrees they hold.
Flexible Scheduling. Verify that the class schedules for the schools you are evaluating are flexible enough to fulfill your needs. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Cerritos CA, check that the programs you are looking at offer those options. If you can only attend part-time, be sure that the school you select allows part-time enrollment. Also, check out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, illness or family emergencies.