5 signs your teen should consider technical college

So your child is in his or her senior year of high school and has yet to make plans for life after graduation. What are some signs a community or technical college might make a better choice right now than a four-year school?

1.  Your child prefers a course of study aimed at securing a specific career. Four-year colleges usually require a wide range of general education courses that may or may not directly pertain to their eventual career. If your teen would rather avoid all that, immediately focus on relevant coursework and start earning a living sooner, he or she might opt for a one- or two-year program instead.

2.  He or she doesn’t know what kind of career would interest them. If this is the case, they are far from alone; many older adults still don’t know what they want to do when they grow up! But directing your child toward a tech or community college will let them explore options they might not have otherwise thought about. Visit a local tech school like Lincoln Tech and let him or her get a close-up look at the tools and equipment used in industries like auto, diesel, collision, welding, manufacturing, and healthcare.  You might even find they have an interest in culinary or cosmetology careers you didn’t know about!

3.  High school hasn’t yielded the grades or SAT/ACT scores needed for a four-year college. Community and technical colleges typically require high school diploma (or GED) for entry, but they’re focused on helping students move forward with their education. Remedial help is often available, and teachers are focused on teaching – not on their own research or securing university grants.

4.  Your student needs a gradual transition. Not everyone is socially or emotionally prepared to go away to college, but one- or two-year programs like those offered at Lincoln Tech can be a good compromise and often make for an easier transition into the working world.

5.  Your son or daughter learns better in smaller settings. Many students, including those with learning challenges, can find it difficult to focus in large lecture halls and other settings where they feel like a number. Your teen may appreciate the ability to interact more closely with instructors who know his or her name and understand their goals for the future.

Technical College Teaches Skills That Build Careers - and Futures!

Lincoln Tech can provide a world of guidance on choosing a course of study that fits your child’s goals and aspirations. Reach out to your local campus today!