4 answers
Chang.
Student
Honolulu, Hawaii
1
Question
Updated
595 views
is it wroth going to in to college
#automotive i like hands on stuff
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4 answers
Rob Miller
Marketing
4
Answers
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Updated
Rob’s Answer
Really depends on what you want to do. If you want to work as a mechanic or in some other trade, it wouldn't hurt to have some college. A community college is a great place to start.
Elishah Franckiewicz
Teacher, Writer, Instructional Designer
10
Answers
Sacramento, California
Updated
Elishah’s Answer
You've asked a really important question. Unfortunately, it doesn't have an easy answer. As Rob pointed out, employers like to see at least an AA degree for most positions, regardless of the degree earned. It demonstrates discipline, organization, prioritization and time management skills.
But college isn't right for everyone. There many building trades that accept apprentices with a high school diploma or GED, but if you want to move up to running work, earning certifications in the field can help a lot. Some are offered within unions, some can be found online and others at community colleges.
Many community colleges also offer programs to earn things like automotive and welding certifications.
The biggest thing to consider, though, is cost. You’re lucky to be in a state that subsidizes education, so fees aren't nearly as high as most other states, but unless you qualify, and keep qualifying, for scholarships and grants or have family to help pay for school, you cannot avoid debt. The more degrees a person has, the more debt they incur. Many have student loans for decades, and payments can be as high as a high- end car payment – and that’s for everyday careers.
It's awful that this is how education works in America, but as the saying goes, "you have to spend money to make money."
Still, it's important to look at long term realities. Working in a physically demanding trade breaks down the body quickly so that by your thirties aches and pains are a normal part of life that only gets worse.
Before making a decision, consider doing job searches for entry level positions you might be interested in and see what kinds of educations they’re looking for. Here are a few popular sites that you can explore without having to do more than create an account.
careerbuilder.com
glassdoor.com
indeed.com
linedin.com
ziprecruiter.com
Good luck!
But college isn't right for everyone. There many building trades that accept apprentices with a high school diploma or GED, but if you want to move up to running work, earning certifications in the field can help a lot. Some are offered within unions, some can be found online and others at community colleges.
Many community colleges also offer programs to earn things like automotive and welding certifications.
The biggest thing to consider, though, is cost. You’re lucky to be in a state that subsidizes education, so fees aren't nearly as high as most other states, but unless you qualify, and keep qualifying, for scholarships and grants or have family to help pay for school, you cannot avoid debt. The more degrees a person has, the more debt they incur. Many have student loans for decades, and payments can be as high as a high- end car payment – and that’s for everyday careers.
It's awful that this is how education works in America, but as the saying goes, "you have to spend money to make money."
Still, it's important to look at long term realities. Working in a physically demanding trade breaks down the body quickly so that by your thirties aches and pains are a normal part of life that only gets worse.
Before making a decision, consider doing job searches for entry level positions you might be interested in and see what kinds of educations they’re looking for. Here are a few popular sites that you can explore without having to do more than create an account.
careerbuilder.com
glassdoor.com
indeed.com
linedin.com
ziprecruiter.com
Good luck!
Mark Piccoli
communications
7
Answers
New Jersey, New Jersey
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Sometimes college is good for some people, but if you do truly like hands on work, Look into doing a triad program / Tech institute or even an apprenticeship for a few years.
There might be some colleges that offer specialized programs. but I would think about it in the long term, what is your projected career path?... like do you want to own a shop one day.
hope that helps.
There might be some colleges that offer specialized programs. but I would think about it in the long term, what is your projected career path?... like do you want to own a shop one day.
hope that helps.
Michael Hobie
Car and light truck mechanic
23
Answers
Clovis, California
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Yes, employers like students who go through a college program. Decide what you want to work on (cars, heavy trucks, heavy equipment, trains, planes). Find out what school offers the training. Communicate with them. Check for students they have placed in the industry. Visit the industry if you can.