Student Enrollment
What do you think is the main reason that students enroll in a career college?
Wes,
You have summarized the need for a career college well. Many people find themselves "stuck" in a dead-end job and they need a career to support their family. Career colleges aspire to assist students achieve these goals through education, motivation and soft skills.
Cindy Bryant
I think most students enroll in a career college because they are unemployed and can't find employment that matches their qualifications or stuck in low paying jobs without the proper education or experience to obtain more lucrative employment. The other reason is that some students are only interested in a certain career and the career college is the quickest and most direct path to attain their objective.
Stephanie,
Many times the fact that a person has experience in the field isn't always enough sometimes they need additional knowledge that assist them in gaining their certifications and/or licensure. Additionally, a career college offers networking opportunities and career services that help the student propel into the industry.
Cindy Bryant
I definitely agree that student enroll with career colleges to obtain better skills that will help them move into a new career. However, I have also noticed that while some students may have experience in the field already, they find that they need some sort of education to help them move further within that career. And in that case a career school is very specialized for them and makes them able to truly focus on classes that are geared towards their current career too. It sometimes occurs that people can obtain state licensing in a certain field alone, but jobs require that they went to a school to achieve that licensing.
Students attending career colleges, are often referred to as non traditional. Many are here for individualized training that will lead to a career. Often the diploma programs attract a niche of students that want to develop a skill to get a paying job and have no intentions of going for a higher degree in the academic sense. These students like a smaller class setting that provides personalized hands on training and attention. These students often need more support from faculty and staff to keep them motivated.
More students are enrolling in career colleges now more than ever. There are several reasons for this increase.
1. Most career colleges enable students to complete a program in less than 2 years. In today's economy, students don't have time to complete 4 year degrees. They need to be in the work force asap.
2. Careers that are offered through career colleges seem to be in higher demand and give more job security. For example, cosmetology will never be outsourced and as long as people have hair, skin and nails, they will pay to have it done.
Kristi,
Career colleges have been in existence since the industrial revolution and gained momentum in the early 20th century. For years they have attracted the non-traditional student who prefers to work with their hands as opposed to learning more about theoretical events. They are profiled as you mentioned "they have not been in school for several years, work full time, displaced worker, etc." However, with the evolution of the career college and the changes in the socioeconomic culture we are seeing more "traditional" students looking for a more defined education that will allow them to learn a skill and move into the workplace much faster.
Cindy Bryant
I believe many students enroll in career colleges because they have tried other options and have not been successful at them. They probably have not received the hands-on training or extra attention needed. Many of the students who enroll in career colleges are non-traditional students - they have not been in school for several years, work full time, displaced worker, etc. These individuals are looking for an option that will be flexible and allow them to better their lives.
Jennifer,
Students generally are driven by the opportunity to succeed, as a college the overall mission is to keep the students goals alive with continuous encouragement.
Cindy Bryant
From what we have seen at our location the attendance in our course is due to wanting a set career. We see people of all ages wanting to either change careers to or begin a career path in manufacturing.
Lorretta,
Good evening, as a trainer I agree that it is important to understand the demographics and level of experience of my students. I enjoyed getting to know my students and customizing my lessons to meet their needs.
Cindy Bryant
In education and training settings, instructors should have an idea as to who they are teaching, because I do believe, in some aspects, it does affect the way instructors conduct their classrooms.
While it should not affect the quality or content of the instruction, I believe it does affect the classroom interaction or the give and take between instructors and students. Based on their previous experience, students may offer a variety of perspectives on any given topic/situation. Instructors should take into account the life and employment experiences of their students to construct and promote critical thinking and contextual learning.
Lorretta,
Good evening, I agree that the demographics of many career colleges include a large segment of society who has been downsized or who are career changers. Do you believe that this affects the way instructors conduct their classroom?
Cindy Bryant
Many of the students who attend my school are older and do so because they have been out of the workforce for a while and are looking to update their skills, have been downsized from previous organizations and need retraining, or have experienced health issues that exempt them from working in a field where they have been employed. These students enroll because it may be the quickest route to a new career path and new employment.
Kyle,
Absolutely! Many students prefer to learn through doing rather than being told how to do. This is the demographic our sector proudly serves.
Cindy Bryant
I believe one main reason that students look to career colleges is for the applied knowledge. In general career college curriculum is more major focused and there are groups of perspective students that prefer that to the "traditional" college formula.
Kyle,
Another key factor to enrolling in a career college is that students may have attempted traditional education and have not been successful, a) due to lack of career focus b) or lack of educational viability. Career colleges keep students focused on their goal and provide them with the skills to support themselves in their chosen profession.
Cindy Bryant
Carolyn,
Thank you for providing us with the recipe for career colleges. It is encouraging to know that our schools continue to make a difference in society.
Cindy Bryant
I think the main reason that students enroll is to receive the specialized training they need in order to fill a specific role in the workforce. Usually these students have had past work/life experiences before enrolling in a career college and have better identified what occupation best meets their needs and interests.
