Non-College Post-Secondary Options
Community and Technical Colleges
- Community and public technical colleges provide affordable, career-oriented programs that enable student to begin their careers after two years or less. Students completing short-term programs receive a certificate, and those who complete a two-year program earn an associate’s degree. Students can also start at a community or technical college and then transfer to a four-year college after a year or two.
- College Navigator - search for "Certificate" or "Associate's"
Apprenticeships
- Students who prefer a hands-on approach to learning may consider an apprenticeship program. Apprentices learn their trade through a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. They are considered by many to be the best way to receive training in the skilled trades. Apprenticeship programs have a limited number of openings and competition can be fierce. The process can also be lengthy.
- Apprenticeship.gov - Apprenticeship USA
- Apprenticeships: A Pathway to a Rewarding Career - ACT
Career and Trade Schools
Career and trade schools offer short-term training in a wide variety of career fields. While some programs last only a few weeks, others take up to two years to complete. Students in career and trade school typically spend most of their class time in job-related settings where they receive hands-on training from experienced instructors. It is important that students do their research to ensure that the career or trade school is licensed and accredited.
What's the difference?
- Technical schools: the curriculum provides students with a broader academic foundation, focusing on the principles of the field of study.
- Career/Vocational schools: more career-focused, emphasizing occupational-specific skill development.
- Best Trade Schools
- College Navigator - search for "2-year" or "<2-year" programs
- Vocational/Trade School Overview
- Vocational/Trade School Search
- Real Work Matters
- NJ Trade Schools - The New Jersey institutions listed here are accredited and have financial aid assistance for those who qualify.
- Lincoln Tech – Edison, Moorestown, Paramus, Union, Mahwah, South Plainfield
- American Institute – Somerset, Toms River
- Branford Hall Career Institute – Jersey City
- Empire Beauty School – Bloomfield, Bordentown, Cherry Hill, Paramus, Union
- Fortis Institute – Wayne, Lawrenceville
- Berkeley College – New Jersey and New York
- Jolie Hair & Beauty Academy – Cherry Hill, Northfield, Turnersville
- Eastern International College – Belleville, Jersey City
- Smith & Solomon – Linden, Bordentown, Bellmawr, Lakewood
Military
- As the nation's largest employer, the military offers qualified applicants a salary, benefits, and free job training. The military also provides discipline and structure, as well as opportunities for career advancement and travel. The four major branches of the military are the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. There are also military opportunities in the Coast Guard, National Guard, and the Reserves. ROTC programs are available for students who want to attend college before they enter the military.
- Today's Military
- ASVAB Career Exploration and Sample Test Questions
- United States Air Force
- United States Army
- United States Coast Guard
- United States Navy
On-the-Job Training
- Students who get a job after they graduate usually receive some sort of on-the-job training. These short-term training programs are not intended to provide individuals with a career. They are designed simply to teach employees what they need to know to perform a specific job.