How to Choose a Technical School

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You want to be an IT whiz or an antique auto specialist and you don't want to take all the history and English courses that you'd have to take at a university or four year college. Attend a technical school or college to pick up some credentials before you go for your first job interview.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1

Use an occupational guide to find your ideal job. The U.S. Department of Labor publishes an online occupational guide called "O*NET" that lists skills and talents and relates them to specific occupations. Make a list of occupations that you think would suit you.

Step2

Contact your state's junior or technical college system. These schools are always less expensive than private schools and the quality of training is frequently as good or better. Keep your list of preferred occupations handy and try to match as many as you can to a school that offers a number of your choices.

Step3

Look into private trade and technical schools. Career One Stop, hosted by the state of Minnesota and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is a good place to start looking for occupational training and education.

Step4

Write or call a few schools and request materials. Although you can also request materials online, writing or calling establishes contact within the admissions office and gives you someone who can answer specific questions about the school.

Step5

Visit your choice schools and tour the facility with a staff member who can answer any questions you may have. Many schools have open houses for graduating seniors. Ask students how they like the school. Find out what kind of financial aid each school offers and what the local employment scene offers.

Step6

Narrow down your choices. Eliminate schools that offer training for too few career choices or would require expensive relocation costs. When you're down to a few, consider pragmatic factors, such as financial aid availability, job placement programs and qualitative ranking of the school. Apply to the schools that meet most of your criteria.

Tips & Warnings

Give ample consideration to any school whose courses match most of your occupation options. That way, if you decide to change or add qualifications, you won't have to transfer to another school.
If cost is a consideration, check whether your state participates in any "exchange" or "reciprocal" programs with other states. These agreements make it possible for students from participating states to study at reduced or resident rates.