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Beyond College: Trade Schools, Certifications, and More

After high school, there are many different paths youth can take. College is one option, but it is not the only one. Some youth may be more interested in learning a trade, earning a certification, starting an apprenticeship, or attending a technical school. Exploring these choices can help youth find a path that fits their interests, strengths, and goals.

Finding Your Pathway

Trade schools and certification programs usually focus on hands-on skills for specific careers. Youth can explore areas like technology, healthcare, construction, automotive work, cooking, and many others. Apprenticeships are another option and can give youth the chance to learn new skills while getting real work experience.

A helpful video resource is PBS’s “Finding Your Pathway” collection. These short videos introduce different education and career options, including apprenticeships, community college programs, and career training. The videos are easy to follow and can give youth a better idea of what some of these paths may look like.

You can watch the full video collection here: https://www.pbs.org/show/american-graduate-cetthinktv/collections/finding-your-pathway/



 A Career One Stop

It is also important to remember that youth do not need to have their whole future figured out right away. Trying new things, asking questions, and learning about different careers can make the decision feel less stressful. Talking with teachers, counselors, family members, or people working in different careers can also help youth learn what might be a good fit.  

Another useful resource is CareerOneStop, a free website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. Youth can use it to explore careers, take interest assessments, look for training programs, and learn about certifications. It is a helpful place to start for anyone who wants to learn more about the different options available after high school.

Read more about CareerOneStop here:
https://www.careeronestop.org/GetMyFuture/default.aspx?




What are your thoughts on trade schools and other college alternatives? Let us know and share your thoughts in the comments below!

The SPAN Youth Chat

On October 7th, from 4:15 to 5:00 PM, join Jeremy Hayer and the Youth Engagement Team for a presentation related to self-advocacy. More details are to come.





Resources...

Link to SPAN's website: www.spanadvocacy.org
Link to SPAN's Youth in the Know Resource Page: Youth in the Know
We're here for you! Call SPAN if you need assistance: 1-800-654-7726.

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