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One of the biggest frustrations college graduates have as they enter the workforce is that the education they received (and paid for) doesn't translate into a viable career right from the start.

That's because not every industry has the desire - or capacity - to hire fresh talent, and those who do only offer entry level positions that don't really reflect the skills the graduate received during his or her schooling. Additionally, because of the cost of a traditional 4-year degree (coupling tuition with the years spent not making a viable income), many college graduates simply can't afford to take these entry-level positions. At the same time, most of these “entry level” jobs require years of prior work experience, something most new college graduates do not have.

It's no wonder, then, that more and more college-ready young adults - and people looking to make a career change - are turning to vocational training courses.

Some of these training programs prepare students for a career in allied health. The job outlook within the allied health industry is bright, because the need for healthcare never wanes.

Here at Compass Career College, we offer three programs for students interested in a career in allied health:

It almost seems impossible to admit this - seeing as skilled laborers are the folks who built our country - but the U.S. is facing an incredible decline in skilled labor over the next few years, at the exact time when demand is expected to reach its peak.

There are many reasons and theories behind the decline in skilled labors - the push (in high schools) toward conventional 4-year careers; a misconception associated with “skilled labor”; the recent recession forcing folks out of their skilled labor profession; baby boomers reaching the age of retirement - but regardless of the reasons, this labor shortage poses both consequence as well as opportunities.

According to a 2015 report by the Manufacturing Institute, titled The Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing 2015 and Beyond,the main problem manufacturers and construction companies face is meeting with customer demand. The lack of skilled laborers prevents companies in these industries from keeping up with the needs and wants of their own customers.

That same report projects that 3.4 million manufacturing jobs are likely to be needed over the next decade. Of those jobs, an unbelievable 2 millionare expected to go unfilled, furthering the current skills gap.

With unfilled skilled trades, companies can’t grow.

The interesting thing is, there is no shortage of people out there who are capableof filling these in-demand jobs in fields such as welding, There’s just a shortage of people willingto do them.

There are so many things for you to consider as you look to pursue higher education. The cost, of course, is a big concern. As is the return on investment of your degree – in other words, will your degree put you in position for a viable and worthwhile career?

But perhaps one of the most important factors to consider is whether the school is accredited.

Part of our mission here at Compass Career College is to help both traditional and non-traditional students create viable and rewarding careers in professions such as Salon and Spa Services, Allied Health, Practical Nursing, and Welding.

For entry to each of our programs, potential students must have either a valid high school diploma or its equivalent. Unfortunately, over the past three years, it has come to our attention that some hopeful students, through no fault of their own, have been awarded invalid high school diplomas.

But how is this possible?

For decades, Americans have equated a 4-year degree as the gateway to the American dream, and for good reason.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, a bachelor’s degree accounts for an average of $16,900 in additional income, per year, compared to a high school diploma ($30,000 versus $46,900).

When you factor in that difference over an average 30-year career, you’re talking about a $500,000 difference.

But these numbers don’t really tell the whole picture. For starters, not all degrees promise the same increased salary expectations. Just ask former President Barack Obama, who was quoted in 2014 as saying:

“[A] lot of young people no longer see the trades and skilled manufacturing as a viable career. But I promise you, folks can make a lot more, potentially, with skilled manufacturing or the trades than they might with an art history degree.”