There is no age limit to learning, and CTE (career and technical education) is a great way to continue education or find a promising career path at any stage of life.
In a new study by the World Economic Forum, 50% of employees worldwide will need to upskill or reskill by 2025 to adapt to the evolving nature of the workforce – and CTE could be the answer. Also, for those who did not pursue higher education during early adulthood, trade programs offer flexibility, and comprehensive skills. They can open the door to many high-paying, in-demand job opportunities.
Flexible Programs
One of the benefits of West-MEC’s Adult Education programs is the flexibility they offer, especially for those who may have jobs, families, or other commitments that take priority.
Adult Education programs often have varied scheduling options for students, allowing them to build their education pathway to best fit their lifestyle. Day or night classes and programs of different lengths are all examples of flexible scheduling in adult education that helps students find a program that best suits their needs.
Trade programs are typically less time intensive than a traditional four-year degree education and cost significantly less, making it an accessible option for those who want to enter the workforce promptly or are looking to switch career paths.
Hands-On and Focused Learning
CTE programs are also great options for those who learn best through hands-on experience. Programs start with textbook learning and quickly allow students to put their skills into practice. The guided instruction is led by individuals who have worked in the career field, offering students real, first-hand insight into what their futures could look like.
Programs are also tailored to specific industries, allowing students to devote their limited time and resources to an education that will position them to be immediately hirable upon program completion.
CTE adult programs provide students with the opportunity to interact with professionals in their chosen field, participate in externships or internships, and help them gain the skills needed in their future careers.
Increased Salary and Career Advancement
According to research from Lightcast, adults who return to school are 22% more likely to achieve upward mobility in their career, leading to increased job stability and increased salary. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that CTE certifications lead to jobs with average salaries between $40,000-$77,000, but continued education may improve this average.
There is also a national shortage of skilled trade workers in the United States, causing a high demand for these jobs and creating job security for students entering the workforce. Manufacturing, for example, has been particularly affected, with over 600,000 unfilled positions nationwide. This ongoing labor shortage, along with the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, will ensure higher salaries.
There are many reasons why an adult may want to further their education, whether that be positioning themselves as a top candidate in their industry, earning additional credentials, or wanting to shift careers completely. CTE adult programs are a great way to accomplish these goals without having to sacrifice time and money while setting themselves up for a well-paying career path.
There are hundreds of programs across the nation, but in our own backyard, Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) offers seven different adult programs, including Aviation Maintenance Technology, Dental Assisting, HVAC-R, IT Security, Pharmacy Technician, Precision Manufacturing and Welding Technology.
Lizeth Fils-Aime is the Director of Adult Education & Financial Aid Officer at West-MEC.
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