Nov
13
Written by:
Marlon Aldridge, Sr.
11/13/2011 4:11 PM
Alternative Educational Career Paths: Apprenticeship or Certificate Programs
By Marlon Aldridge
Many times parents and other adults tell children that they should pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree after high school, when in actuality; they may not be prepared or have little interest in doing so. What are some alternatives to longer term degrees that our children may be more inclined to pursue? Here are some alternative educational career paths:
Apprenticeship Programs
There are many apprenticeship programs in the U.S., where apprentices learn their trades on the job and in the classroom while getting paid. Visit the U.S. Department of Labor to find a sponsor, http://oa.doleta.gov/bat.cfm. If you live near Dayton OH, visit the Dayton Building and Apprenticeship Council Web site, http://69.94.5.27/index.html or call them at 937-264-2052. If you live outside of Montgomery County Ohio conduct an Internet search using the search term “apprenticeship programs [your county] [your state]” (fill in the county and state where you live).
The career fields that follow normally require a certificate and on-the-job training before entry into the profession.
Aviation Trades
The airline industry offers many opportunities such as aviation maintenance (airframe, general, and powerplant), aircraft dispatcher, airline flight attendant, and unmanned aerial systems. Visit the AV Scholars Student Gateway to Aviation at http://www.avscholars.com/ to access information to aviation colleges, flight training, aviation scholarships, and more. If you live near Dayton, OH, visit Sinclair Community College Web site at http://www.sinclair.edu/academics/sme/departments/avt/ or call them at (937) 512-3000.
Casino Gaming
The Casino gaming industry is expanding especially in Kansas, Maryland, Ohio and Pennsylvania so opportunities should be great in those places. To find job opportunities in this industry, visit http://www.americangaming.org/getinthegame. To learn to deal, visit Hondros College, http://www.hondros.edu/, or call them at 1.888.HONDROS.
Real Estates Trades
The real estate trades such real estate agent, broker, appraiser, title insurance agent, or home inspector require formal classes, passing a state test, and apprenticeship under a licensed professional. Visit Hondros College, http://www.hondros.edu/, or call them at 1.888.HONDROS. If you live outside of Montgomery County Ohio conduct an Internet search using the search term “real estate courses [your county] [your state]” (fill in the county and state where you live).
Conclusions
There are many certificate programs that require less course work than associate’s or bachelor’s degree programs do. Check with you local community, technical, or two-year college to see which programs it offers. If you live near Dayton, OH, visit Sinclair Community College to find certificate programs, www.sinclair.edu. 
Finally, if none of these trades appeal to you, it is important to at least know which career fields are in demand and how much education and training is required. The U.S. Department of Labor is a good place to find in demand career fields, search the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-2011 Edition, http://www.bls.gov/oco/oco2003.htm#occupation_d. Keep in mind that the jobs that require on-the-job training in the education and training category will most likely require training via an apprenticeship or certificate program.
Marlon Aldridge is founding president and CEO of the Black Man's Think Tank (BMTT). He may be reached at info@bmtt.org.
This report is a courtesy of the BMTT.
About the Black Man’s Think Tank
The BMTT is a nonpartisan, nonsectarian, nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that develops and supports industry among Black organizations and professionals. Its mission priorities are working with organizations and professionals in the areas of educational attainment, economic development, health care solutions, and crime prevention. Visit www.bmtt.org for more information.
Copyright ©2011 Marlon Aldridge, Sr.