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Trade and Technical Schools

Trade and technical schools can offer sound training for young people and for adults interested in changing or expanding their technical or service training. It's been estimated that as many as two million students are enrolled in 8,000 private trade and technical training courses in the United States. That translates into a $3.5 billion business.

Training should be investigated as carefully as any other service. Whether it is a training program in automobile mechanics, practical nursing, locksmithing or any of the other career areas that interest you, be sure to move carefully.

The ABC's of trade and technical schools

Before you begin your search for a school, ask yourself the following questions. What are my objectives in obtaining this training? How reasonable are these objectives in light of my own abilities and current job market?

Training in a specific career field can improve your chances of becoming successful in a job. However, you should have some background as to what the job would involve, what you can expect in job growth based on current trends, and whether an investment in training is worth the time and money spent.

To find out this information, you can:

1. Talk to employees who hire in the field of your interest. They can tell you about employment opportunities, job requirements, and the value to you (and to them) of specialized job training.

2. Go to any public library and ask to see a copy of the "Occupational Outlook Handbook", (U.S. Department of Labor) listing the education and training requirements of specific jobs. Check other career books and pamphlets as well.

3. If you are a recent high school graduate, talk to your school's guidance counselor for information on vocational or trade schools. Keep in mind that some high schools offer adult training courses in a variety of fields. Tuition may be minimal and the quality of instruction excellent.

4. You may also want to contact military or Veterans Administration counselors for assistance - or get in touch with unions and trade and professional associations to find out what the job situation is in the field you want to enter.

Once you've done your research into vocational training and found a school that interests you, make sure you obtain the following information before making a decision to attend.

• Is the school accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Office of Education or the Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation? Accreditation means that the school has met and maintained standards established by the accrediting agency. Don't assume, however, that accreditation means that the school is good or that non-accredited schools should be avoided.

• How long has the school you are considering been in operation? What kind of reputation does the school have with employers in your community, and with current and former students? Check the Better Business Bureau for a reliability report.

• Find out from the school's representative how many people have completed the course of study you're interested in. Find out the school's enrollment over the past several years and how many students graduated. How many of these graduates currently have jobs.

• Ask the school for names and addresses of students who graduated in the past six months. Find out what they thought of the course content, school facilities and quality of instruction.

Some states have special laws that govern trade and technical schools including the following:

• Schools must be licensed or registered by the state;

• All students must receive the same instruction and supplies at the same fee;

• No school can promise you potential earnings at entry level employment, or employment with experience, unless documented and approved;

• The school cannot guarantee employment after you attend its classes and graduate.

  Check with your state attorney general's office or a school licensing agency for information on existing laws.

Trade and technical schools use sales representatives to promote the school and sign up new students. These representatives may not be affiliated with the school other than in a sales capacity. They receive a certain percentage of the enrollment fee for signing you to a school contract.

Remember, if the representative cannot satisfactorily answer all of your questions, do not sign a contract until you have all needed information. Make certain you clearly understand your course selection and your rights and responsibilities before you sign.

If you have taken an aptitude test or entrance exam offered by the school and are informed that your score is amazingly high, you should be aware that some unscrupulous schools give virtually everyone high marks simply to get them to enroll.

The school should furnish you with a statement of the school's policies regarding fees and tuition charges. You should also find out about regulations involving entrance requirements, absences, make-up work, minimum satisfactory grades, conditions for re-entrance, tuition refunds, drop-out charges, etc.

Ask about financial assistance, including the guidelines for initial and continued financial eligibility. How are the payments to be made? What is the payment schedule; monthly, quarterly, etc.? What are the terms for repayment of any loans involved in financial assistance?

Some schools offer a placement service for prospective graduates. The placement service will arrange job interviews for you (sometimes for a fee), but offer no guarantee of a job. If the service is free, the school may simply mail your name to a list of possible employers. Be sure to find out exactly how the school's placement service operates, your costs, and the employment track record.

Don't make up your mind about school quickly without considering all the facts. Remember, reputable schools have no reason to use high-pressure sales tactics to solicit students. If the school representative says you must sign a contract (which may be labeled Application for Enrollment or Enrollment Agreement) to reserve your place in a class, forget it. A reputable school will give you time to check its credentials.

The Contract

Before signing a contract, find out the total cost. Does the tuition fee include books, labs, equipment, career guidance service and graduation ceremony? Don't rely on oral promises that add to or change the terms of your contract; make sure they are included in the written agreement. Never sign an agreement containing blanks.

Find out the refund and cancellation policy of the school. For example, can you cancel with no penalty by notifying the school in writing within a specified time after signing the contract? If you attend a couple of classes and then drop out, what type of refund is available after the first week, first quarter, semester and so on? Be sure this is in writing.

If you sign an installment contract for payment for the course, who holds the collection contract? Sometimes your contract is sold to a bank of finance company which means that if you have questions about the financial arrangements you may have to contact another company other than the school.

Checklist

Below is a checklist to use when considering a trade or technical school.

• Obtain catalogs or bulletins from several schools that offer the training you are seeking. Is the school accredited and by whom? Is it licensed by your state Department of Education? Write down questions to ask the school's sales representative.

• Compare the courses with those being offered in your community by public schools, community colleges, etc.

• Try to talk to employees in the field you're interested in. Tell them your objectives and ask them if training in a career school would qualify you for a job.

• Visit the school and inspect its facilities. Ask if you can attend a class for free.

• Contact and interview recent graduates. Was the training they received helpful in getting a job? What were some of the advantages - disadvantages of the school?

• Find out about the instructors' qualifications. What is the teacher turn-over rate?

• Before signing a contract, determine the costs for tuition, books, materials, lab equipment, financial assistance, residence, meals, etc. Get details on the cancellation and refund policy.

• For a reliability report on the school, contact your local Better Business Bureau.

G48.10/95
Trade and Technical Schools © 1995
Copyright 1983 Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.