Re-Thinking College:Alternatives to the four year degree

Ryan VanKampen

Because everyone’s path is different…

The Current State of College

Cost of college went up on avg 27% from 2008-2013 and continues to climb

Public State

Out of State

Private0

50001000015000200002500030000

13600

20770

28500Tuition, Room & Board

Tuition, Room & Board

The Current State of College 58% of first time college students graduate

within 6 years of starting

Class of 2011 averaged $26,600 in student debt, in addition to consumer debt

53.6% of college grads under 25 years old are unemployed or underemployed

There has been a 38% increase in college grads since 2000

The Current State of College

When there were fewer graduates, a generic college degree used to be a

valuable credential. Now that the market is flooded, diplomas count

less, and specific skills count more.

Branches of Military Various military branches are available and

provide a wide variety of educational and careertraining opportunities. Many people haveearned their college degrees or learned careerskills while serving in the military.

Branches of the military include:

US Army /National Guard US Coast Guard US Air ForceUS MarinesUS Navy

Brief Branch Descriptions Army – Main Ground Force/ Protects and Defends

U.S. / Largest and Oldest Branch Air Force – Defend U.S. through exploitation of Air

and Space/ Responsible for Military Satellites/ Youngest Military Branch

Navy – Maintain the Freedom of the Seas Marines – “Infantry of the Navy”/Specialize in

Amphibious Operations/Assault, Capture, and Control

Coast Guard – Law Enforcement, Boating Safety, Sea Rescue, and Illegal Immigration Control/ Smallest Military Branch

General Requirements Citizenship Limited number of Dependents or a waiver is

required No Single Parents Must meet financial eligibility Must not have substance abuse problem Limited Criminal History – Background checks are

completed and could inhibit your entry into the military

High moral character Physical Standards Academic Ability- Diploma/GED

Military Benefits for all Branches GI Bill Life Insurance Military Education Military Pay Travel Benefits Health Care Home Loans

Certificate Programs for Skilled Workers

Certificate Programs for Skilled Workers Many of today’s high

growth industries do not require a 4-year degree

2 year associates degree- from community college

Certificate only program- community college, traditional college, training facility

High Growth Fields Not Requiring a 4 Year Degree Green Jobs

Wind turbine technician Bio fuels processing technician Environmental Restoration

Planners Health Care

Medical Office Asst CNA Medical Equipment

Technicians Dental hygienist

Manufacturing Control Tool Programmers Stationary Engineers Production Managers

Information Technology IT Security Analyst Network Technician Computer Systems Analyst

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Airplane Pilot Diesel Truck Driver Traffic Technician Mechanics

Human Services/Hospitality Fire Science Early Childhood Education Culinary/Pastry Arts Cosmotology

Benefits of Certificate Programs Quicker entry into field of choice Focused training on skills needed for

jobs Exit your education with less

debt/student loans Opportunities for continuing

education Funding available for training in high

growth areas workNet DuPage currently has programs

for Medical Office Assistant and Computer Skills

Vocational Training & Apprenticeship

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships Apprenticeship is a formal method of training in a

skilled occupation, craft, or trade. During the apprenticeship period, the apprentice

receives 2,000 hours or more of structured on-the-job training with at least 144 hours of related classroom instruction.

Apprenticeship requires a written agreement between the program sponsor (employer) and the apprentice.

Apprentices earn about half the going trade person's wage to start. Pay is gradually increased over the length of the apprenticeship, until training is completed and the trainee graduates to full trade person status.

Opportunities in the Trades Boilermaker Sheet Metal Worker Bricklayer* Patternmaker Pipefitter* Cabinetmaker Plasterer Carpenter Plumber* Cement Mason Roofer Drywall Finisher* Electrician* Sprinkler Fitter Millwright Structural Ironworker Ornamental Ironworker Tile Layer Operating Engineer

Painter/Decorator * BLS Top 20 Job Without a Bachelors Degree

STEPS TO THE TRADES Step 1 - Stay in school. The majority of trades

require high school graduation (Math and Science)

Step 2- Decide which trade matches your interests and skills. Think about who you are. What you like to do? What kind of lifestyle you enjoy?

Step 3 - Find an Employer to train you as an apprentice.

Step 4 – Apply! Once you find an employer, contact the IDES Apprenticeship Information Center nearest you for an apprenticeship application/agreement.

Step 5 - Commitment

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

College of DuPageWaubonsee Community CollegeTechnology Center of DuPageworkNet DuPage Career Center Illinois Employment and Training

Center of DuPage Illinois Department of Employment

SecurityNavianceLocal Newspaper

Resources

Bureau of Labor Statistics http://

www.bls.gov/ooq/2012/summer/art03.pdf

Course Companion Guide http://

wvhs.ipsd.org/uploads/Curriculum/2012-WV-Course_Companion_Guide.pdf

Questions?