Alternatives to College
College isn't the only choice after graduation. There are many options other than a four-year college experience that will prepare you to succeed in the workforce. Opportunities vary depending on the type of skill or personal enrichment you want to gain. Here's a quick guide to the main types of workforce readiness programs. Click here to jump down to current opportunities.
Trade School
What is it?
Also called tech school, a trade school trains students in a practical skill with a clear pathway to high-demand, sustainable careers. Some examples include electrical, construction, elevator repair, auto mechanic, welding, and many more. Students earn a professional certification, which qualifies them to work in their chosen field. Typically, programs run for one to two years. They cost money, but not as much as a four-year college. Learn more about skilled trade careers, salaries, and requirements here!
Community College also has many two-year certifications for trades plus jobs in the medical field, web development and IT support, legal work, and more.
Want to learn more?
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Find trade schools for your career goals here.
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See the 10 highest-paying and fastest-growing jobs you can get without a bachelor's degree.
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships allow you to learn a trade with direct guidance from a trained professional. They usually combine hands-on work with classroom learning. Because you are working, you are paid for the apprenticeship. The length of apprenticeships vary greatly, from one to six years, but typically last four years.
Most union apprenticeship programs require a high school diploma or a GED. Some union apprenticeship programs use aptitude or other types of tests as well as interviews to choose applicants. On average apprenticeships start at $15 an hour. Interested? Search for apprenticeships here!
Want to learn more?
Service
What is it?
Service programs are an opportunity to give back, earn money, and earn valuable skills. It's like volunteering, a job, and job training combined. When most people think of service, they probably think of the military. However, there are tons of service opportunities in areas like environmental stewardship, natural disaster response, working with kids, and pretty much anything you're passionate about. Programs are usually one year. The biggest National Service program is AmeriCorps.
Pros and Cons
Because service is about giving back, you may not earn as much as you would at a regular job. However, most programs will have other benefits to make up for this, like an education grant to use towards college, or workforce development to help you find a job. Plus, employers and college admissions hold service in high regard, so it can set you apart from other applicants. In fact, many students use a service program as a gap year between high school and college. It gives you a competitive edge, and it buys you some more time to figure out what you want to do, while having a life changing experience.
Want to learn more?
Current Listings!
Here are current opportunities hiring apprentices, service members, and employees with a High School Diploma/GED.
Looking for trade schools? There are tons. Click here to start your search, and talk to your teachers and guidance counselor about popular programs for your goals.
Apprenticeship Search Engines
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Apprenticeship PHL - Philadelphia based-apprenticeship programs
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Apprenticeship.gov - National Apprenticeship Finder
Service Programs
Want to work with kids without an education degree, AND you want to save for college? A service year with City Year might be for you. Learn more about why this program changes lives here.
Requirements: High School Diploma/ GED, U.S. Citizen/legal resident
How to Apply: Apply online. Resume, short answer, and a reference required.
DEADLINE: Rolling, sooner is better
Serve for 10 months as a Corps Member and gain a variety of professional experiences while working with a team. Educate communities on sustainability and energy conservation, restore and build hiking trails, or build homes. You and your team will serve on at least four different projects in different states and cities within your assigned region of the country. You not only earn money, you also earn over $5k in grant money for college!
Requirements: High School Diploma/ GED, U.S. Citizen/legal resident
How to Apply: Create a MyAmeriCorps Profile. Search NCCC programs and follow application instructions.
Looking to connect? Join us for an interactive webinar on June 11 at 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss NCCC's application and selection process.
DEADLINE: Throughout June. Check listings for individual deadlines.
DEADLINE: Throughout June. Check listings for individual deadlines.
Same benefits as NCCC (pay, medical benefits, education grant), different program. Various paid service programs with commitments ranging from 300 hours to 1700 hours, part or full time. Areas of service could include Community and Nonprofit Development, Disaster Services, Economic and Workforce Development, Education, Energy and Conservation, Health and Nutrition, Legal Assistance, Tribes and Native American Affairs, Veterans and Military Families, Youth Development and Mentoring.
Requirements: High School Diploma/ GED, U.S. Citizen/legal resident
How to Apply: Create a MyAmeriCorps Profile. Search State and National programs and follow application instructions.