When technical training just makes more sense

Many Americans still struggle with the perception that a college degree is the best option for anyone planning to enter the work force. But is this really accurate? Maybe for some individuals it is, but for others, technical training programs are a much more practical choice.

Compass Career College in Hammond, Louisiana offers training for jobs in fields such as Welding, Cosmetology, and Allied Health. Many individuals have used the opportunities available at CCC to kick start successful careers and secure brighter futures. They are a vital part of the nation’s work force for whom a college degree would be unnecessary, maybe even counterproductive.

If you’re wondering if you may be one of those individuals who would be better served by a technical or skills-based program, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I thrive in a classroom environment, or do I learn better with different approaches to instruction? Many individuals excel at working with their hands, or at interacting with people. They may be at their best in educational programs that blend many different activities and sensory experiences rather than a traditional, book-based environment. CCC’s knowledgeable instructors understand that many of their students learn best by doing, and are committed to finding the approach that is the most effective for each one.
2. Am I seeking a quicker path to employment? Most university programs require a minimum of two years of study to earn an associate’s degree, and four years for a bachelor’s. However, your circumstances may not allow you to wait that long to start earning a living. A quicker path to employment is a distinct advantage that technical programs have over university programs. For instance, the Licensed Practical Nursing program is the only program at Compass Career College that requires longer than 12 months to complete, and the Certified Nurse Aide program can bring students from enrollment to employment in less than 2 months.
3. Is a college degree worth the price tag? If you’re interested in a career in the skilled trades or certain aspects of the healthcare field, there’s a good chance the answer to this question is “no”. The National Center for Education Statistics reported in 2015 that the national average cost of a four-year degree from a public university was over $100,000. This figure represents a huge investment, and students who have to borrow the full amount will have to budget for monthly loan payments that could eat up a sizable piece of their paycheck. In contrast, technical colleges like CCC provide training for a fraction of the cost, and enable graduates to find jobs and pay back any loans more quickly (and in much smaller monthly payments).

Compass Career College students can also rest assured that there is generally a strong demand present for skilled tradespeople and healthcare workers in the Gulf Coast region. The fields represented by CCC’s programs are among some of the most secure and fastest-growing job sectors in the country, and the education and skills received at CCC can form the basis of a stable, productive, and enjoyable career journey for anyone interested in these fields.