Vocational Education
Vocational /technical colleges, along with most community colleges, offer training in specific skills for work bound students.  Depending on the field of study, six months to two years are needed to earn a certificate or degree in a desired field.  In general, training in vocational colleges is concentrated on occupational courses.

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Investigating Community & Technical College Vocational Programs

Before you invest your time and money in attending a particular school you should make sure that their program is going to be a good match for you.

The Career Center has a variety of resources available to help put you in touch with the information that you need. The following are some helpful tips for selecting your school.

WHERE TO BEGIN
Some general overall questions that you can answer with resources from the career center are:

1. Which schools offer programs in your area of interest.
2. What type of certificates and degrees are offered.
3. Approximate cost of programs.
4. Who to call for specific program information.

GO TO THE SOURCE
Once you have located your school(s) of interest it is always advisable to visit the campus if possible. Make sure you are comfortable with the school’s setting. (If you are not able to take a tour you should definitely call the school and ask the following questions about their programs).

    ON YOUR TOUR
As you tour the program in which you want to enroll. Look for the following:

1. What are the class sizes?
2. Does the program provide you with training in the current technology for your field?
3. How available is the instructor to assist students.
4. Are you excited about being in this environment?

ASK QUESTIONS
Questions you should ask the program instructor or director when you tour:

1. What are the TOTAL costs for this program?
2. Is there a waiting list to enter this program? How long?
3. How do I get on the waiting list?
4. Are there any pre-requisites that must be met before you can enroll in the program?
5. What type of entrance exams are required?
6. What specific types of jobs will you be trained for?
7. What’s the job placement record for graduates of your program?
8. How many students finish the program

ASK MORE QUESTIONS
In addition to touring your program of interest, talk to representatives in the Student Services and Financial Aid Departments and find out what each school offers.

1. What scholarship and other financial aid opportunities are available?
2. What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman?
3. What percent of those who apply for financial aid receive it?
4. How much did the costs increase from last year? Are any further increases predicted?
5. Are campus or off-campus jobs available?

1. What services are offered through the counseling center?
2. Can the placement office help students find jobs after graduation?
3. Are there special services for minority students?
4. How convenient is parking?

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Application to Technical College or Community College Vocational Program: 
Before you apply to a community college, or vocational institute you should research your abilities, interests, and each prospective school. Utilize the Counseling Center, teachers, coaches and your family to help you decide to which schools you will apply.

1. Many schools now have web-site on-line application forms.  Check this Yahoo site to see if your school has a web-site. (Listings are alphabetical by the name of the school).
2. OR stop by the Career Center to obtain the address and phone number of the institute you want to apply to.  (If it's a Washington State school the applications maybe available in the Career Center).
3. Write directly to the institute for an application form.  (Return to Career Center with the application if you need assistance filling it out).
4. You must indicate which Vocational Training Program that you are applying for at the school.
5. Hand completed application in with any fees due to the guidance secretary (Mrs. Pavesi).  She’ll include your transcripts and mail out the application for you.

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