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Things to Ask Vocational Schools
Once you have selected the trade and type of degree or certificate that you would like to obtain, either online or on campus, you can start to limit your selection of schools. As you are probably aware, there are many technical schools in the San Francisco CA area and all over the United States to choose from. That's why it is essential to have a checklist of key qualifications when making school evaluations. As previously stated in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will probably be the initial 2 variables you will look at. Following are several additional ones that you will want to explore before enrolling in your school of choice.
Accredited. A large number of San Francisco CA area trade programs have acquired either a regional or a national accreditation. They can acquire Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school's programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which relates to a specific program, for example HVAC technology. Verify that the school and program are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education recognized accrediting agency, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping ensure that you get a superior education, it may assist in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Additionally, some states require that the training course be accredited for it to qualify for licensing where applicable.
How Long in Operation? One clue to help determine the quality of a trade school near San Francisco CA is how long it has been in business. A negatively reviewed or a fly by night school normally will not be in business very long, so longevity is a big plus. On the other hand, even the top schools had to start from their first day of training, so use it as one of multiple qualifiers.
Completion Rates. Ask the tech schools you are looking at what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage of students who enroll in and finish the program. A low completion rate might signify that students were disappointed with the course and dropped out. It might also indicate that the instructors were not competent to instruct the students. It's similarly essential that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader list of alumni, which can mean more contacts for the school to use for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only confirm that the school has an excellent reputation within the industry, but additionally that it has the network of contacts to help graduates secure apprenticeships or employment in the San Francisco CA area.
Apprenticeship Programs. Many trade programs are taught along with an internship or an apprenticeship program. Those participating technical and vocational programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of companies or labor unions. Ask if the schools you are comparing have working relationships with San Francisco CA area contractors in the trade. An apprenticeship not only provides a valuable experience by providing practical training, but it also furnishes employment opportunities and helps to build relationships in the area professional community.
Modern Facilities. Confirm that the campus facilities and the equipment that you will be trained on are up-to-date and what you will be working with in the field. If you are already in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the specialist you are working with regarding what you should be expecting. Otherwise, ask a local San Francisco CA company if they can give you some tips. Additionally keep in mind that unless you can relocate, the school must be within commuting distance of your residence. Remember that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, in addition to relocation costs there might be increased tuition fees compared to in-state residents.
Smaller Classes. It's desirable that you get as much one-on-one training as possible, which can be challenging in larger classes. Ask if you can sit in on a few of the classes so that you can see how big they are and experience the interaction between students and teachers. Talk with several of the students and get their comments relating to class sizes and instruction. Finally, speak to some of the instructors and find out what their level of experience is in California and what degrees or certifications they have earned.
Flexible Scheduling. Make sure that the class schedules for the schools you are assessing are flexible enough to handle your needs. If you can only attend classes in the evening or on weekends near San Francisco CA, verify that the programs you are reviewing offer those options. If you can only attend part-time, be sure that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Additionally, check out what the protocol is to make-up classes should you miss any due to work, sickness or family issues.