Your Future. Your Path.

There is more than one path to a successful future. College may be the right choice for some students, while others may find their fit through a trade or technical program, an apprenticeship, military service, or going directly into the workforce.

This page is designed to help NCHS students explore the options available after high school, compare different pathways, and find the training, resources, and financial support needed to take the next step.

Not sure which direction is right for you? That is okay. Stop by the Guidance Office and we can explore your interests, goals, and options together.

Build Your Skills

Earn While You Learn

Explore Your Options

Jump-Start Your Career

Trades & Technical Education

A four-year degree is not the only route to a successful career. Trade and technical programs provide hands-on education for careers in areas such as welding, automotive and diesel technology, construction, electrical work, healthcare, cosmetology, agriculture, technology, and many other fields.

Programs may range from short-term certificates to two-year degrees. Many can lead directly into high-demand careers.

Explore Your Options:
Wyoming Career & Technical Programs
https://communitycolleges.wy.edu/planning-career

CareerOneStop Training Finder
https://www.careeronestop.org/LocalHelp/EmploymentAndTraining/find-WIOA-training-programs.aspx

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine paid employment with hands-on training and classroom instruction. Instead of paying to learn a career first, apprentices can begin earning a paycheck while developing job skills and working toward an industry-recognized credential.

Apprenticeships are available in traditional trades as well as healthcare, technology, transportation, manufacturing, and other industries.

Find an Opportunity:
Wyoming Apprenticeship Resources
https://dws.wyo.gov/dws-division/business-training-support-unit/wyapprenticeship/

Apprenticeship.gov
https://www.apprenticeship.gov/

Military & Service

Military and national service can provide career training, education benefits, leadership experience, and opportunities to serve.

Students considering military service should explore the different branches, career options, entrance requirements, education benefits, and service commitments before making a decision.

Explore Your Options:
Today’s Military
https://www.todaysmilitary.com/

AmeriCorps
https://www.americorps.gov/

Going Straight to Work

Some students are ready to enter the workforce after graduation. The right first job can provide valuable experience, industry training, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Before accepting a position, consider more than the hourly wage. Look at benefits, training opportunities, scheduling, advancement potential, required certifications, and the long-term outlook for the career.

Start Exploring:
My Next Move
https://www.mynextmove.org/

CareerOneStop
https://www.careeronestop.org/

TRADE & TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarships aren’t just for four-year colleges!

Students pursuing trade schools, technical programs, certificates, apprenticeships, community college programs, and career training may also qualify for scholarships and financial assistance.

Explore current opportunities below and check back often. New scholarships will be added throughout the year.

AIST Steel Intern Scholarship

Award: $7,500 scholarship + paid summer internship

Who Can Apply: Students interested in pursuing education and career opportunities within the steel industry.

Application Window: August 1 – October 5, 2026

Why Apply? Recipients receive scholarship funding along with the opportunity to gain paid, hands-on industry experience.
https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/scholarships/steel-intern-scholarships

WATCH FOR 2027 APPLICATIONS

Horatio Alger Career & Technical Education Scholarship

Up to $2,500 for eligible students pursuing career or technical education.

https://horatioalger.org/career-technical-education-scholarships/

AGC of Wyoming Scholarship

Up to $2,500 for eligible students pursuing college, career/technical education, or approved skilled-trades training.

https://www.agcwyo.org/scholarships.html

GE Aerospace–Reagan Workforce Readiness Scholarship

For students pursuing technical degrees, skilled-trade training, industry certifications, two-year degrees, and other workforce pathways.

https://www.reaganfoundation.org/education/workforce-readiness-scholarship

AIST Trade School Scholarship

$2,600 awards for eligible students pursuing skilled-trade and technical programs such as welding, electrical, machining, manufacturing, and industrial maintenance.

https://www.aist.org/Students-Faculty/Scholarships/Trade-School-Scholarship-Program