NPR: It Pays To Be An Apprentice: 63% More

From the Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Information on vocational/trade schools:

“Vocational schools and correspondence schools train students for a variety of skilled jobs, including jobs as automotive technicians, medical assistants, hair stylists, interior designers, electronics technicians, paralegals, and truck drivers. Some schools also help students identify prospective employers and apply for jobs.

While many of these schools are reputable and teach the skills necessary to get a good job, others may not be. They may promise more than they can deliver to increase enrollment — and their bottom line."

They may mislead prospective students about:

  • the salary potential of jobs in certain fields

  • the availability of jobs

  • the extent of their job training programs

  • the qualifications of their staff

  • the nature of their facilities and equipment

  • their connections to businesses and industries”

Before you commit to a program, visit the school and answer these questions:

  • Are the facilities up-to-date? Is the equipment the same as used in the industry?

  • What does the school provide? Are there supplies and tools you must buy?

  • Who are the instructors? What are their qualifications?

  • How big are the classes? Sit in on a class and observe how students are engaged.

  • What is their completion rate? What percentage of students complete the program?

  • Is the school licensed and/or accredited? Licensing is handled by state agencies; accreditation is achieved through a private education agency or association. Search online to see if a school is accredited by a legitimate organization. Two reliable sources are:

  • Do they help you find a job? How many graduates find jobs in their chosen field? What is the average starting salary?

  • Debt on graduation - of recent graduates who borrowed money to attend this school, what percentage are delinquent in paying back those loans?

  • Can you get a list of recent graduates to ask about their experiences with the school?

  • What is the total cost?

  • Does the school get many complaints? Check with the Attorney General’s office in Colorado and the Colorado Department of Education to see whether a lot of complaints have been filed against the school.

  • Review the contract and understand what you’re signing up for.

  • Ask whether you can apply for a federal government loan; it may have better terms — find out more at www.studentaid.gov. Know:

    • how much you are borrowing, and what the interest rate is

    • when repayment begins

    • how much each payment will be

    • how long you have to repay the loan