Questions to Ask Trade Schools
Once you have decided on the vocation and type of certificate or degree that you wish to acquire, either online or on campus, you can start to narrow down your list of schools. As you are probably aware, there are many vocational schools in the Cambridge MA area and all over the Country to pick from. That's why it is extremely important to have a list of key qualifiers when making school evaluations. As previously stated in our opening paragraph, location and tuition will most likely be the initial two aspects you will take into consideration. Following are several additional ones that you should research before enrolling in your school of choice.
Accreditation. Many Cambridge MA area vocational schools have acquired either a regional or a national accreditation. They can earn Institutional Accreditation, which focuses on the school's programs overall, or Programmatic Accreditation, which relates to a specific program, such as HVAC technology. Make certain that the program and school are accredited by a U.S. Department of Education acknowledged accrediting organization, for instance the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Along with helping make certain that you acquire a superior education, it may assist in acquiring financial assistance or student loans, which are often unavailable for non-accredited programs. Furthermore, many states require that the training program be accredited in order to qualify for licensing where applicable.
How Long in Business? One clue to help assess the quality of a trade school near Cambridge MA is how long it has been in operation. A negatively rated or a fly by night school usually will not be in business very long, so longevity is a big plus. However, even the best of schools had to begin from their first day of training, so consider it as one of multiple qualifiers.
Completion Rates. Ask the vocational schools you are looking at what their completion rates are. The completion rate is the percentage of students who enroll in and finish the program. A low completion rate might signify that students were unhappy with the program and dropped out. It could also suggest that the teachers were not qualified to train the students. It's also imperative that the schools have high job placement rates. Older and/or more reputable schools may have a broader list of alumni, which can produce more contacts for the school to employ for their apprenticeship and job placement programs. A high job placement rate will not only confirm that the school has a good reputation within the industry, but also that it has the network of contacts to assist grads secure apprenticeships or employment in the Cambridge MA area.
Apprenticeship Programs. Most trade programs are taught along with an internship or an apprenticeship program. Those participating technical and vocational programs will help place you in an apprenticeship program inside their network of contractors or labor unions. Check if the schools you are comparing have working partnerships with Cambridge MA area professionals in the field. An apprenticeship not only provides a rewarding experience by supplying practical training, but it also provides employment opportunities and helps to establish relationships in the regional professional community.
Modern Facilities. Make certain that the school facilities and the equipment that you will be trained on are state-of-the-art and what you will be using on the job. If you are currently in an internship or an apprenticeship, consult with the technician you are working with regarding what you should be looking for. Otherwise, ask a local Cambridge MA contracting company if they can give you some tips. Also bear in mind that unless you are able to relocate, the school needs to be within driving distance of your home. Take note that if you decide to attend an out-of-state school, besides the added relocation costs there can be increased tuition charges compared to in-state residents.
Smaller Classes. It's desirable that you get as much personalized instruction as possible, which can be challenging in larger classes. Ask if you can monitor a couple of the classes so that you can observe how large they are and witness first hand the interaction between teachers and students. Speak to several of the students and get their comments relating to class sizes and instruction. Finally, talk to a few of the instructors and find out what their level of experience is in Massachusetts and what degrees or certifications they have earned.
Flexible Scheduling. Verify that the class schedules for the programs you are reviewing are flexible enough to meet your needs. If you can only attend classes at night or on weekends near Cambridge MA, confirm that the programs you are comparing offer those choices. If you can only attend on a part-time basis, be sure that the school you select offers part-time enrollment. Also, check out what the policy is to make-up classes should you miss any because of work, illness or family responsibilities.
Find Out How to Choose a Skilled Trade Course near Cambridge MA