| The word "college" may make you may think of | | | | wheel, or work on real equipment, or build a |
| ivy-covered walls, hushed libraries, professors with | | | | working computer network. This part of the |
| tweed jackets, and students who never get their | | | | curriculum can only be completed at the school |
| hands dirty. But perhaps you're the type who | | | | facility. Be sure to choose a school that has |
| loves to dig through a greasy motorcycle engine, | | | | advanced technology and instructors with |
| or solder an electronic connection, or install an | | | | real-world experience. |
| HVAC system in a skyscraper. You want to | | | | After you complete the program and get your |
| work with both your mind and your hands. Yes, | | | | certificate or diploma, what's the next step? |
| there is a school for you! | | | | Licensure |
| Technical training schools offer hands-on | | | | In many cases, completing a technical training |
| instruction and experience in small engine repair, | | | | program is just the first step to a new career. |
| automotive and marine repair, computers, HVAC, | | | | Many states require professional service providers |
| truck driving, and more. You can't learn this stuff | | | | to be licensed or certified before they can begin |
| only over the Internet. You can't even learn it | | | | work. In addition, many manufacturers, especially |
| just in a classroom. You have to get down and | | | | those of boat, auto, motorcycle, and aircraft |
| dirty and work with the real thing in a real-life | | | | engines, require mechanics to be certified before |
| setting. | | | | they can go to work at an authorized dealer or |
| Classroom and Real-World Training | | | | repair facility. Technical training schools generally |
| Today's technical careers require brains as well as | | | | design their programs to fully prepare their |
| physical skill. Most technical schools divide their | | | | graduates to take certification exams, but of |
| curriculum into two parts: classroom and | | | | course the student is ultimately responsible for his |
| real-world. The classroom part might be | | | | or her success. |
| presented either in a bricks-and-mortar campus | | | | For example, if you want to work as a |
| building, or through an online curriculum that could | | | | cosmetologist in the State of New York, and |
| be mastered from any location. The real-world | | | | have received your training in New York, you |
| section involves hands-on interaction with | | | | need to satisfy these requirements as set forth |
| hardware, and must be taken at the technical | | | | by the New York State Board of Cosmetology: |
| school's facility. | | | | "If you are at least 17 years old, you must |
| For example, a program dedicated to | | | | complete a 1,000-hour, New York State approved |
| tractor-trailer truck driving typically requires | | | | course of study and pass both the New York |
| several weeks of instruction. Topics may include: | | | | State written and practical examinations to get a |
| Commercial Drivers' License (CDL) General | | | | license to operate in this state. As proof of |
| Knowledge / Combination Vehicles | | | | successful completion of schooling, you must have |
| CDL Hazardous Material | | | | the Affirmation of New York State Approved |
| Brake Systems / CDL Air Brake Knowledge | | | | Schooling section of the application completed by |
| Uncoupling / Coupling | | | | your school director. After your application is |
| Vehicle Inspections (Circle Check) | | | | reviewed and accepted, you will receive |
| Parallel Parking | | | | information that explains the exam process in |
| Straight Backing | | | | detail." |
| Alley Dock Backing | | | | Technical and career schools know that your goal |
| Highway/ City Driving | | | | is to get a rewarding job. An accredited technical |
| State Examination | | | | school can help you to change your life with |
| No matter what career field you train for, a good | | | | career education. But where do you start? The |
| technical school will provide a curriculum that | | | | best way to begin is to go online to a reputable |
| covers all the bases. The parts of the program | | | | college and technical school directory. You'll be able |
| that involve "book learning" may be presented | | | | to search for schools in your area that offer |
| either in a classroom setting or online. Online | | | | training in the field that interests you. You'll also be |
| courses can be just as rich and rewarding as | | | | able to find online degree programs. You can |
| traditional classroom courses. Many include | | | | compare programs and even learn about flexible |
| real-time feedback, quizzes, simulated hands-on | | | | schedules and financial aid. Then you can request |
| exercises, graphics, and even audios and videos. | | | | free information from the schools that meet your |
| Following successful completion of classroom | | | | requirements, visit a few, and make your decision. |
| instruction, the school then introduces the | | | | In less time than you think, you could be ready |
| students to the real thing. Students get behind the | | | | for a rewarding career. |