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Chapter 1 An Introduction to Human Services 19
Reading Recall
1. List common aptitudes, attitudes, and skills of human services workers.
2. Define the term competencies.
3. Identify four core competencies people in human services occupations
share.
Education, Training, and Experience
Students in human services learn knowledge and practical skills
that prepare them to help people and meet their needs. Sometimes
this learning can occur through a career and technical program.
Apprenticeships or postsecondary (beyond high school) training are other
learning opportunities.
A career and technical program is a course of study that prepares
students for careers in specifi c trades and occupations that need skilled
workers. Career and technical programs are available for high school and
college students, as well as adults. These programs combine academics
and job-specifi c skills.
An apprenticeship involves working for a qualifi ed professional to
learn a skilled trade. With an apprenticeship, workers earn a salary while
learning important skills they need to succeed in a high-demand career.
Apprenticeships vary in how long they last. Some may last for a year
while others can last for four years.
Postsecondary educational requirements vary by occupation or
specifi c career fi eld. A four-year degree is commonly needed, however, for
many jobs today. Human services occupations often require experience,
too. It is important to gain skill in working with people beyond book
knowledge (Figure 1.8). Many human services careers provide on-
the-job training so workers can learn about the specifi c job duties and
responsibilities.
When preparing for careers in human services, educational
requirements may include
• an associate’s degree—a two-year degree earned through community
colleges;
• a bachelor’s degree—a four-year degree earned through colleges and
universities;
• a master’s degree—earned after completing at least one year of study
beyond a bachelor’s degree; and
• a doctorate degree—the highest degree a person can earn (also called
a PhD).
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor’s degree in human
services, early childhood education, and family and consumer sciences.
Students can also obtain bachelor’s degrees in social work, counseling,