What is career education? Understanding the basics

Do you want to prepare for a future career without spending four years (or more) in school? Career education may be the right choice for you. This education focuses on the skills, knowledge, and training you need for a specific field, like construction or information technology. It’s a great alternative for people who want to enter the workforce or change careers without having to earn a bachelor’s degree.

This article will answer the question, “What is career education?” We’ll go over everything you need to know by exploring the following topics:

• The definition of career education and what it involves

• The different types of career education

• 4 benefits of completing this type of education

• Answers to other frequently asked questions

What is career education?

Career education, also known as vocational or technical education, is a course or program designed to prepare students for a specific career. Often, it involves learning a skilled trade, such as plumbing or cosmetology. It’s different from traditional education, which involves taking classes in a variety of academic subjects. Instead, career education focuses solely on teaching the skills needed for specific jobs or industries.

Generally, career education combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to teach essential job skills. It may include an internship, an apprenticeship, or similar work experience. At the completion of the course or program, students may earn a certification, a diploma, or an associate degree. While career education often refers to postsecondary education, some high schools offer career-focused courses, such as automotive technology or family and consumer sciences.

There are many vocational programs available for career preparation. Some jobs you can get with this education include: electrician, automotive mechanic, chef, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician. Other well-known positions are dental hygienist, air traffic controller, pharmacy technician, and veterinary assistant.

Types of career education

If you’re interested in pursuing career education, you have some options. The right choice for you can depend on several factors, including your current level of education, your interests, and your career goals. These are some common types of career education:

Career and technical education (CTE)

CTE programs center on teaching practical skills needed for a specific field or job. These programs are commonly offered at the high school level, but you can also find CTE classes in post-secondary institutions. The goal of CTE training is to prepare students for jobs or for continued education.

You can take CTE courses in a variety of areas, such as health science, agriculture, or manufacturing. Many CTE courses focus on in-demand fields, such as science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). With CTE, you can prepare for a job that’s likely to have a high demand after you graduate.

Tech prep

Tech prep education connects high school and postsecondary education, usually resulting in a certificate or an associate degree. High schools and postsecondary institutions, such as vocational colleges, partner to offer these programs. You can start a tech prep program as early as ninth grade. After high school, you either complete two years of postsecondary education or an apprenticeship lasting at least two years, depending on your field of study.

The U.S. Department of Education says tech prep programs can center on engineering technology, applied science, mechanical, industrial, or practical trades. Others include agriculture, health, and business.

Vocational school

If you’ve already graduated from high school, you may consider getting a career education at a postsecondary vocational school. These schools, also known as trade schools, offer training in specific fields of study, such as culinary arts or massage therapy. After completing your studies, you may earn an associate degree or an occupational certificate. Some students also complete vocational programs before transferring to four-year colleges to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Some common types of trade schools include carpentry, culinary arts, electrical, HVAC, and welding. Additionally, there is medical assisting, massage therapy, real estate, criminal justice, and cosmetology

Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship can be a great way to get a career education while earning a paycheck at the same time. An apprenticeship focuses on a specific trade, such as masonry or elevator installation. During an apprenticeship, you get hands-on experience while working under experienced professionals. Depending on the apprenticeship, you may also receive technical instruction as part of the program.

Apprenticeships are common for hands-on trades, like construction and welding. However, they’re also offered in other areas, including social services, cybersecurity, hospitality, and software development. You can find apprenticeships through businesses, unions, and vocational schools. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) also has a website you can use to find apprenticeship programs.

Single courses

If you want to expand your education without earning a degree, you can enroll in a single course. Single courses allow you to learn about a specific career area. There are different reasons to take career education courses, such as learning new skills or staying up-to-date on technological advances.

Additionally, some careers, like nursing, require professionals to complete courses for continuing education. You can find these standalone courses through professional organizations, vocational schools, or even online.

Benefits of career education

Career education can offer many benefits for your future career. This type of education can help you to:

• Build job-related skills. Career education teaches you the hard skills you need for a specific job so you’re ready to enter the workforce.

• Gain hands-on experience. This education usually involves hands-on training and experience, helping you become familiar with how to do the job.

• Plan for a career. Often, this education includes practical advice about how to plan for your career in a specific job or industry. You may also find mentors who can offer additional guidance so you will know how to define a career path.

• Prove your expertise. With career education, you can show prospective employers you have the right education, training, and skills for the role you want.

FAQs about career education

Review these questions and answers to learn more about career education and determine whether it’s right for you:

What are some examples of career education programs?

There are many career education programs available in a range of fields. Some common examples include business, agriculture, bookkeeping, information technology, and paralegal studies. Career education programs also exist for healthcare, education, cosmetology, culinary arts, and other fields.

Where can you get a career education?

Often, you can find career education programs at vocational schools and community colleges. Many private employers, unions, and professional organizations also offer these learning opportunities, such as apprenticeships and courses.

If you want to earn a postsecondary certificate, diploma, or degree, you may need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Some vocational schools may also require you to take an entrance exam or placement test.

How long does it take to complete?

The length of career education can vary based on several factors, including the field and type of program. Some programs, such as a certificate pathway, may take less than a year to complete. An associate degree program usually takes two years. Some apprenticeships last four years or longer, depending on the field.

Your education and experience can also affect how long it takes you to complete a career education course or program. If you’re a high school student in a tech prep program, for example, you may spend six years completing your education. If you’re an experienced professional looking to expand your skill set, you may complete a single career education course in a few weeks or months.

How do you choose a career education program?

As you think about which program you may want to complete, consider your interests and goals. What do you like to do, and how can you apply those interests in your future career? You may also consider other important factors, such as how long you want to be in school or train for a job and what type of training you want to get (classroom instruction, hands-on experience). There’s also the programs available in your geographic area, job demand and future growth, and the cost of career education programs.

Not sure what type of career education may be right for you? Plan for your future with Career.io’s Career Pathways tool and find the right path for you!

Key takeaways

1. Career education includes a broad range of fields and programs, but each option prepares students for a specific job or field.

2. Different types of career education include high school CTE courses, postsecondary vocational schools, and apprenticeships.

3. Career education can give you the technical skills and hands-on training you need to succeed in a specific job or industry.

4. Explore different career education programs to find one that aligns with your interests, priorities, and goals.