Technical Colleges
If you are someone who likes to build and fix things or you have an aptitude for math and science, then a career as a technician could certainly be for you.
Technical colleges prepare students for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations. A good quality technical college prepares individuals to be skilled technicians responsive to the immediate and emerging demands of business and industry.
Today’s employers are looking for people who have acquired a specific skill, first through education and then through on-the-job training.
According to a survey conducted by Manpower, Inc. in 2010, skilled-trade and technician jobs are the most in demand across the globe. The survey of 35,000 employers across 36 countries found that these employers were also having difficulty filling these positions. There is certainly no better time to be pursuing a degree in technical education.
A student enrolled at a technical college can expect 75 percent or more of their training to be hands-on training. Students spend the majority of their college experience in the laboratories and maintenance shops that will ensure they become a highly skilled technician ready for the workforce. For instance, if you are interested in fixing and maintaining airplanes, then as a student you would be learning to be an aviation maintenance technician. Shortly after you start classes, you would be in the aviation hangar with actual airplane engines and turbines acquiring hands-on training on how to fix and maintain the airplane for flight.
Although, only 25 percent of a technical student’s education is in the classroom, it is important a student be proficient in math, science and communications. Today’s business and industry desires a student that is not only skilled but knowledgeable and personable as well. A business, such as a Caterpillar dealer, needs a service technician that can diagnosis and repair a heavy equipment engine and more importantly be able to communicate to the customer the solution used to repair the heavy equipment.
The majority of technical colleges are only two years in length. Students earn an associate of applied science degree in the area of technical expertise in which they are interested in pursuing as a career. Within a very short period of time, a student can be ready for the workforce in a highly profitable position as a technician. For example, students interested in working at a nuclear power plant can earn an associate of applied science degree in reactor operations and within a short two-year period be working at a nuclear reactor anywhere in the world. Nuclear technician positions are high paying, high demand jobs and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
To some, one of the most important components necessary for a student to be a successful technical student and an even more successful graduate is having an interest or passion for what they are learning. For example, if you love motorcycles and you want to know how the motorcycle works, then you’ll more than likely have the mechanical aptitude for fixing the motorcycle. The education and the training don’t stop once you’ve graduated from a technical program. A technician can expect a life of learning. So, the more you enjoy what you are doing in the very early stages of your career development, the more successful you’ll be as a technician throughout your entire life.
As mentioned, a career as a technician is in high demand. The education and training process requires a smart individual, interested in a fast-paced, hands-on learning environment with a passion for building and fixing things.
There are many technical colleges throughout the United States eager to help educate and train you as you pursue a technical career. It is important when looking for a technical college, consider one that is accredited. A degree program from an accredited higher learning institution is the best way to ensure that the education and training you will receive is from a legitimate and highly reputable college.