The Principal's Message
Dr. Stafford
Trading College for a Trade
http://click.icptrack.com
Today more than ever parents and kids might think that a college education is a requirement for a good job and a prosperous life. There just might be a trade off. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are good opportunities and life-long careers in lots of trades.
When it comes to career plans, Travis, a high school senior, intends to become an auto technician for Mercedes.
“From what I’ve been told their first year they make around $40,000 and then it just continuously goes up from there with more certifications and experience,” he says.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of auto service technicians and mechanics is expected to increase by almost 36,000 jobs through 2018. More entry-level workers will be needed, especially as the average lifespan of our vehicles is increasing. But some kids think repairing cars is beneath them.
“It is something that is for certain populations frowned upon because it is not considered more of a professional job. But those jobs can be very well paying depending on what you want to do and your skill level,” says Debbie Brown, a career coach.
Brown says while some blue collar jobs are disappearing or getting out-sourced, like manufacturing and textiles, others … like plumbing, carpentry, and electrical work, pay well and are in demand.
“If your car breaks down, you have to get it serviced if you want it to keep running. So sometimes people will put off repairs for a little
“And there’s so many people who are just not suited to sitting in front of a desk,” says Brown. She adds that if students choose a trade instead of college----parents should help them get the best possible training.
“Find out what the best trade and technical schools are in your community. Talk to these people, find out the best match in terms of the program for them and get them into the best programs," adds Brown.
The Counselor’s Corner at CCTC
Dr. Corkran
Students at CCTC have many opportunities to learn about post-secondary schools through field trips, guest speakers, and short term job shadowing. Another learning opportunity that is offered to juniors and seniors who meet certain requirements is through the Career Internship program.
Students in the Career Internship program are excused from school for up to two periods a semester and earn up to four elective credits. During the internship program, students work in jobs that are closely related to their chosen career majors. These paid or unpaid internships offer the students excellent opportunities to learn more about work in their career major and learn, first hand, about demands, expectations, and rewards encountered on “the job.”
We encourage our students andparents to inquire about the Caroline County Career Internship program through the home school counselors or with Dr. Corkran at CCTC. The program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to expand their knowledge about the world of work.
Have a nice Holiday Season