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Graduation isn't just a finish line; it's a starting point. Graduation opens up a world of possibilities. There are many paths to success!
Here are some options to consider:
Skilled Trades: Become a builder, electrician, plumber, or welder! These in-demand fields offer competitive salaries, opportunities for advancement, and the satisfaction of working with your hands.
Vocational Careers: Pursue a technical program in fields like healthcare, information technology, or cosmetology. Gain valuable skills and enter the workforce quickly.
Military Service: Consider the structure, discipline, and unique experiences the military offers. You'll develop valuable skills and gain access to educational benefits.
Paraprofessional Opportunities: Work in healthcare, education, or other fields as a paraprofessional, learning alongside experienced professionals and potentially pursuing further certifications later.
Certificate Programs
North Shore Community College and Bunker Hill Community College - offer certificate programs as well as associate degree programs. Explore their options and attend an open house so you can really get to know all of the opportunities offered. MassEducate provides FREE community college tuition and fees for all Massachusetts students!!
Northeast Metropolitan Community Education- The Northeast Community Education & Training program offers adults specialized learning environments in vocational areas as well as academics and extra-curricular activities in the evening and weekends.
Mass Transfer
The Mass Transfer program allows students to earn a 2 year Associates Degree at a Community College and a guaranteed transfer to a Massachusetts State University or UMASS Campus if you earn a B average. This is a great way to keep college debt to a minimum and a good option for students who aren't ready to commit to a four year college degree.
Trade School/Vocational Program Resources
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges link includes a directory on approved vocational programs within an accredited school.
ApplytoTradeSchool is a searchable database that connects with you various trade schools by location. Another good resource to learn more about your options.
Interested in a career in maritime trades? IYRS School of Technology & Trades is a non-profit, post-secondary experiential learning institution in Newport, Rhode Island and is the premier marine trades and modern manufacturing school in the United States. IYRS offers education & training programs for people with a passion for thinking and working through their hands.
The Peterson School: “We teach the trades." From Construction Supervisor to locksmith, HVAC, fire alarm systems management or plumbing, there are a wide variety of trades to consider. Locations in Westwood, Woburn & Worcester
Universal Technical Institute: “The training programs at UTI teach the fundamental, high-demand skills our students take with them into the workforce. Whether it’s automotive, diesel, motorcycle, motorsports,24 marine, welding, collision repair or CNC machining, our programs teach the foundational skills employers look for when hiring the next generation. Some programs even take less than a year.”
Building Trades
Learn how to secure a union building trade apprenticeship. There are many trades to consider and this pdf includes the path towards an apprenticeship that will help you create a career in the many trades.
For women in the trades: As more women join building trades, specific support programs have been created to help support them as they build their careers. Check out Build A Life to learn more about this program.
New England Laborer’s Training Center: Located in Hopkinton, the center provides opportunities for training and apprenticeships in many areas of building trades.
Youth Build Boston (for Boston residents) was founded in 1990 with the goal of providing underserved young people with the support and credentials needed to successfully enter the construction and design industry. This hands-on program offers paid educational and internship opportunities.
North Atlantic States Council of Carpenters: Explore the opportunities that carpentry can offer and learn more about apprenticeship programs to set you on a career path in skilled carpentry.
Apprenticeship Opportunities: Explore this Mass.gov database to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities. “Apprenticeships are work-based training programs that give you hands-on experience in a structured environment. Apprenticeships run the gamut from traditional building and construction trades jobs such as carpenters, electricians and bricklayers to new technology-focused occupations including those in cloud computing, advanced manufacturing,
and healthcare.”
Dynamy Internship Program: “Dynamy Internship Year is a domestic, long-standing gap-year program created for students ages 17-22 who want to pursue a unique, hands-on learning experience. Taking a personalized approach to learning, we provide students with a year “on”, filled with meaningful opportunities to gain real-world work experience, explore career interests, and build critical life skills before taking life’s next steps.”
Service and Volunteer Programs
Peace Corp: “The Peace Corps is a service opportunity for motivated changemakers to immerse themselves in a community abroad, working side by side with local leaders to tackle the most pressing challenges of our generation.”
City Year: “ City Year AmeriCorps members serve in schools all day, every day, preparing students with the social, emotional and academic skills and mindsets to succeed in school and in life.”
AmeriCorps: “We bridge divides by bringing people together: connecting individuals and organizations to help communities tackle their toughest challenges.”
Habitat for Humanity: ”Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps families build and improve places to call home. We believe affordable housing plays a critical role in strong and stable communities.”
Volunteer Match: “VolunteerMatch matches inspired people with inspiring causes. It's how volunteers and nonprofits connect to achieve remarkable outcomes.”
Military Options
Army
ASVAB Information and test prep
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