Graduating from high school is a major accomplishment for teenagers. The next questions are usually about education after high school:
- Where do I go from here?
- What type of job can I get?
- Lastly, do I need a college or trade school education?
There are many career paths open to young people who continue to technical institutes, colleges, and universities.
1. Begin a Career Path by Continuing Your Education After High School
Keep up the momentum of learning by continuing your education at a technical institute or community college after high school. Many people do take a year off and postpone college or technical school. Even if they do return for some training, they may only go to school part-time, and it may take years to achieve their desired certifications.
Set a career path in a field that interests you and continue with higher education immediately after high school. For example, health care is a field that offers many career opportunities and certifications. You can begin with one certification as a medical assistant that requires only 36 weeks of study and finds a position that offers an opportunity to learn more about your field of interest. Then, you can move on to more training in the medical field.
There are many career opportunities for growth that begin with one certification. You can, indeed, continue in that field with additional education and certifications that lead to job growth and increased pay.
2. There Are Few Jobs Open to High School Graduates Without a Higher Education
With just a high school diploma, you limit your job opportunities. Most jobs that offer growth opportunities required some type of training.
Jobs that may be available without education after high school may include working at fast-food franchises or as an usher or lobby attendant. Call center jobs and some jobs related to tasks such as deliveries may be available to high school graduates without additional education.
Entry-level retail jobs may not require extensive training, but classes in business are often necessary for advancement in retailing.
3. Professions Require Education and Training
This is a high-tech environment where the job opportunities that have good paychecks require specific education and training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of the fast-growing fields is wind turbine service technicians. This type of position, indeed, requires electrical training. Solar photovoltaic installers and electricians are needed in another growing field.
Automotive mechanics must know the latest technology in working with different types of engines. Welders must know how to use sensitive equipment. Further, computer support specialists must learn the latest innovations in a field that changes constantly.
Office workers, including administrative assistants, need some technical training. This also includes working computer programs associated with Microsoft Office and some accounting procedures.
People interested in a career in cosmetology must have professional training along with hands-on experience during the education process. Spas and hair salons will not hire anyone without a certification that shows the applicant has completed a list of requirements that include a specified number of hours of hands-on training. This also includes working as a cosmetologist at the training facility.
4. Many Jobs Require Certifications, State Licenses, and/or Board Exams in Texas
Most potential employers will ask about an applicant’s education after high school. Young people who apply for jobs can immediately show their certificates that indicate they have completed the required education and training in a given field.
A person cannot become a commercial vehicle driver without a CDL license that requires professional training and a state test. Thus, potential drivers must show that they have completed the training to qualify for the test.
A medical technician must show proof of training and certification in a given field to be hired.
A computer support specialist should have an Information Technology certification.
Electrical technicians must have certifications and Texas State Licenses.
A cosmetologist must have a certificate and a Texas license. The certificate and any required licenses are usually framed and displayed in the location where the cosmetologist works. This then certifies the person as a professional in their field.
Pharmacy Technicians must pass a Texas State Board Examination to become licensed.
Many other professions in the medical field require a state board exam in Texas before a person can work.
5. You Can Afford to Go to a Technical School or College With Grants and Loans
Do not put off your higher education because of funding. There are grants, loans, and scholarships available for high school graduates. You can then study part-time or full-time for a career in your chosen field. Some positions require only 36 weeks of training. However, other training may require longer periods along with internships.
Many classes and training programs occur online. Access and complete these classes at the students’ convenience.
Southern Careers Institute Loans and Grants
The Southern Careers Institute in Texas believes that every high school graduate who wants to pursue education after high school should be able to do so regardless of financial status.
SCI has grants available for students from individuals, nonprofit organizations, and government entities that are awarded based on financial needs. These grants are similar to scholarships, and they do not need to be repaid.
SCI accepts all scholarships offered for high school graduates from other sources. In addition, special High School Best and Student Success grant programs are available. According to SCI, these grants are awarded without tying them to your academic performance.
Other grants are offered that lower the cost of educational programs and make student loans easier to pay off after graduation. Further, this includes the Financial Literacy Grant for specific programs.
Special grants are offered to people with military experience through the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance Program. This is a voluntary off-duty program for service members.
SCI offers a special Women in Tech grant for up to $1000 for women who apply for technical-related programs and commit to continuous enrollment.
Further Your Education After High School With Southern Careers Institute
Southern Careers Institute has eight campuses in Texas. The institute also has the Southern Star Salon for cosmetology students in San Antonio, Brownsville, and Corpus Christi.
Contact us for more information on our programs and grants for high school graduates.
This article was published on: 06/28/22 1:38 AM
* SCI does not guarantee employment or a starting salary upon graduation, completion, or withdrawal from SCI. As an accredited post-secondary institution, SCI has various federal financial assistance programs available for students who qualify and are enrolled in SCI programs. This does not apply to seminar students.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
