EDUCATION & TRAINING OPTIONS | DEFINITION | Looking for more? |
| Apprenticeship | An employer’s formal training program combining on-the-job learning with technical instruction for a specific trade. | Registered Apprenticeship Web site |
Certifications | An examination or a record of work-related credentials. Issued to an individual by an external organization to communicate a certain level of skill attainment. Required in some occupations, for example nursing assistants and financial advisors. | Certification Finder |
Short-Term Training | Training programs where you can earn a certificate, diploma, or award in less than 2 years can be a great way to advance or change your career. | Short-Term Training Finder |
Community College | Institution typically offering two-year or associate of arts degree that can transfer to a four-year college or university. | Community College Finder |
Technical College | One- to two-year training programs in a variety of subject areas. Short-term training also available. | Find technical colleges in the Community College Finder |
4-year College or University | Earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in your chosen field of study. | Find 4-year colleges in Education and Training Finder |
Customized Training | Topic-specific, short-term training designed for a specific employer. | Find customized training links in the Career Resource Library |
Internships | Opportunity for hands-on, real work experience. May be required in some college majors, or may be an entry-level internship you apply for after graduating college. | Find internship links in the Career Resource Library |
Job Corps | A free, Department of Labor program designed for individuals ages 16-24 to obtain training and job skills. | Job Corps Web site |
Job shadowing | A short-term visit to a worksite. Choose a career of interest and set up a time to follow someone on the job throughout his or her workday. | Find job shadowing links in the Career Resource Library |
Professional development | Training to enhance your job skills. | Find professional development links in the Career Resource Library |
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Training | Federal program that provides short-term training and education at technical colleges, community colleges, and universities. | Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Eligible Training Provider |