296 Part 3 Career Planning
Extend Your Knowledge
Community Colleges
Community colleges generally offer two-year associate degrees,
but they may also offer technical certifi cates. Some associate degree
programs prepare students for transferring to a four-year college while
others are designed to prepare students for employment. For example,
a student who successfully completes a veterinary technology program
and earns an associate degree is ready to go to work in a veterinary
clinic, zoo, or humane society.
Open enrollment, small classes, and lower tuition are among the
reasons students choose community colleges. Open enrollment allows
all students with a high school diploma or GED to enroll. There may be
additional admission requirements for specifi c programs.
Community colleges also offer classes for people who are not
pursuing a degree. For example, a retired fi refi ghter who enjoys going to
art galleries and art museums might want to learn about art history, but
she is not interested in getting a degree in fi ne arts. She could enroll in an
art history class at a community college.
Armed Forces
Each year the Armed Forces provide thousands of men and women
educational training that can be used in both military and civilian
careers. Training is available for clerical and administrative jobs, skilled
construction work, electrical and electronic occupations, auto repair, and
hundreds of other specialties. See 14-7.
Receiving educational training through a branch of the Armed Forces
has a number of advantages. There is little or no cost to the student for
training. The student gets paid while being trained. In addition, the
student receives many benefi ts, such as paid vacations, paid health care
programs, free housing, and opportunities for travel and advancement.
Military life does have its disadvantages, however. It is more
disciplined than civilian life. People in the military must follow orders
Apprenticeship Programs
Joint employer and labor groups, employer associations, and
individual employers sponsor apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeship
training offers individuals a chance to earn while they learn. In addition to
a paid 40-hour work week that includes on-the-job training, apprentices
are required to attend related training on selected evenings and/or
weekends. Wage increases are granted as apprentices gain experience
through increased time in training.