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Questions to Ask Trade Schools
Once you have decided on the vocation and type of degree or certificate that you desire to obtain, either online or on campus, you can begin to narrow down your list of schools. As you are certainly aware, there are numerous technical schools in the Seaside CA area and throughout the United States to select from. That's why it is extremely important to have a list of key qualifiers when making school assessments. As previously stated in our opening paragraph, tuition and location will most likely be the first two factors you will take into consideration. Following are several additional ones that you should explore before enrolling in your school of choice.
Accreditation. A large number of Seaside CA area trade schools have acquired 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 relates to a specific program, such as HVAC technology. Make sure that the school is accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting agency, such as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping guarantee that you get an excellent education, it can help in obtaining financial aid or student loans, which are often not available for non-accredited programs. Furthermore, some states mandate that the training course be accredited for it to be approved for licensing where applicable.
How Long in Business? One indicator to help determine the quality of a trade school near Seaside CA is how long it has been in operation. A poorly reviewed or a fly by night school normally will not stay in business very long, so longevity is a big plus. On the other hand, even the top schools had to begin from their first day of training, so consider it as one of multiple qualifications.
Completion Rates. Ask the tech schools you are considering what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the portion or percentage of students who enroll in and finish the course. A lower completion rate could signify that students were dissatisfied with the program and quit. It may also suggest that the teachers were not qualified to train the students. It's similarly imperative that the schools have higher job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader list of graduates, which can mean more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate can 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 secure apprenticeships or jobs in the Seaside CA area.
Apprenticeship Programs. Many trade programs are taught together with an apprenticeship or an internship program. Those participating technical and vocational schools will help place you in an apprenticeship program within their network of contractors or trade unions. Check if the schools you are reviewing have referring partnerships with Seaside CA area contractors in the trade. An apprenticeship not only offers a valuable experience by providing practical training, but it also furnishes employment opportunities and helps to build relationships in the local professional community.
Modern Facilities. Make certain that the school facilities and the tools that you will be instructed on are state-of-the-art and what you will be using in the field. If you are currently in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the technician you are working under regarding what you should be expecting. Otherwise, ask a local Seaside CA company if they can give you some suggestions. Additionally keep in mind that unless you are able to move, the school needs to be within driving distance of your residence. Take note that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added relocation costs there can be increased tuition fees compared to in-state residents.
Smaller Classes. It's desirable that you receive as much individualized instruction as possible, which can be challenging in larger classes. Ask if you can sit in on a couple of the classes so that you can observe how big they are and witness first hand the interaction between teachers and students. Talk with a few of the students and get their feedback concerning class sizes and instruction. Last, speak with 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. Make sure that the class schedules for the schools you are assessing are flexible enough to handle your needs. If you can only go to classes at night or on weekends near Seaside CA, check that the schools you are reviewing provide those choices. If you can only attend part-time, be sure that the school you select permits part-time enrollment. Finally, ask what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, sickness or family emergencies.