292 Part 3 Career Planning
Do the occupations that interest you require further education?
How much time, effort, and money are you willing to spend on your
education? Can you receive the education you need through training?
Could you learn the skills you need through an apprenticeship? Will you
need a college degree? Should you consider career training through the
Armed Forces? The amount of training and education you obtain will
infl uence your earnings and your opportunities for job advancement, 14-3.
Occupational Training
Occupational training prepares a person for a job in a specifi c fi eld.
Training can be received through occupational schools, skill centers,
community colleges, company training programs, and correspondence or
online programs. Since the quality of training can vary from one source to
another, it is important to investigate a training program before you enroll.
If you choose to enroll in a training program, be selective. Make
sure the school has up-to-date equipment and facilities to provide you
with up-to-date training. There are many fi ne occupational schools
with excellent instructors. There are also schools that will be willing
to take your money, but fail to provide you with the training you need.
Your guidance counselor or program coordinator can help you evaluate
occupational schools so you choose an appropriate one.
Some companies will train employees for
specifi c skills needed within their companies.
Company trainers, through regular class
instruction, may offer employees training. In
some cases, trainers from outside the company
may be brought in to provide instruction.
Company training offers employees the chance
to develop and improve their job skills on site.
You may fi nd correspondence or online
courses are a good way to further your
education. These courses are particularly
helpful if you live in an isolated area. These
courses are often offered through community
colleges and universities as well as private
correspondence schools. Students complete the
course requirements at home and mail their
work to the school for evaluation and course
credit. Many schools are now offering these
courses online. Students are able to submit
assignments and communicate directly with
teachers through e-mail. Educating yourself
by this method usually requires a great deal
of self-discipline since the motivation to do the
work must come from you.
Be sure to check the quality of any correspondence or online
course carefully before enrolling. Check the school’s reputation with
prospective employers. If you plan to attend a school later but take a few
What jobs seen on
TV, in a movie, or in a
newspaper or magazine
appeal to you?
Reflect
Further
14-3
How much you invest in your
education and training will
influence your future earning
potential.