Career Education and Training

• Apprenticeship - An employer's formal training program combining on-the-job learning with technical instruction for a specific trade.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Community College - Institution typically offering two-year or associate of arts degree that can transfer to a four-year college or university.
  
  
• Technical College - One- to two-year training programs in a variety of subject areas. Short-term training also available.
  
  
• 4-year College or University - Earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in your chosen field of study.
  
  
• Customized Training - Topic-specific, short-term training designed for a specific employer.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Job Corps - A free, Department of Labor program designed for individuals ages 16-24 to obtain training and job skills.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Professional development - Training to enhance your job skills.
  
  
• Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Training - Federal program that provides short-term training and education at technical colleges, community colleges, and universities.