Chapter 14 Researching Careers 293
correspondence courses now, make sure your course work will transfer.
Courses transfer when one school accepts the credit given by another. Be
especially suspicious of courses that eliminate the lab work or hands-on
experience that is required of courses taught in traditional settings.
Technical Certifi cate Programs
Technical certifi cate programs are offered through trade schools
and community colleges. These programs offer a series of courses that
provide technical knowledge and skills needed for employment. Full-
time students can complete a program in less than a year. Examples of
certifi cate programs appear in 14-4.
Some technical certifi cate programs prepare graduates to enter
apprenticeship programs. For example, completion of a construction
technology program might be required or suggested for acceptance into
an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships
If you enjoy technical skills and want to learn a specifi c trade,
an apprenticeship may be right for you. Employment opportunities
and earnings are good for those who complete apprenticeships. An
apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related
classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and
theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Skills are actually
learned under the supervision of a skilled tradesperson.
In Chapter 1, you learned about the programs offered in some high
schools called youth apprenticeships. Graduation from these programs
What are the educational
requirements for the
careers that interest you?
Reflect
Further
14-4
This chart shows examples of
certificate programs that may
be offered in trade schools or
community colleges.
Examples of Certifi cate Programs
Aviation Mechanics Land Surveying
Bookkeeping Landscape Design
Community Health Worker Medical Assistant
Computer Repair Medical Coding Specialist
Construction Safety Specialist Offi ce Support
Culinary Arts Pastry Arts
Diagnostic Medical Sonography Personal Chef
Dietary Management Personal Fitness Trainer
Early Childhood Care and
Education
Power Systems Engineering
Electronic Publishing Production Artist
Emergency Medical Technician Teacher Assistant
Environmental Safety and Security Turf Grass Management
Holistic Yoga Instructor Web Design