Receiving a high school diploma is deemed as one major achievement that must be accomplished in life. First off, it opens up avenues for a college education, which in turn provides individuals with credentials to embark on related careers.
However, for one reason or another, a college education is not always possible for all those graduating from high school.Nonetheless, not being able to pursue a college degree does not mean the end of the road for those seeking to have a successful career in the future.
Post-High School Graduation Alternatives to Attending College
Most students graduating from high school, actually feel unprepared to enter college even if their parents have set aside funds to see them through a college education.
In the Achieve survey report, ”Rising to the Challenge: Are High School Graduates Prepared for College and Work?” released in 2014, it was gathered that an estimated 50% of high school graduates were unprepared for the challenges they were about to face; either in college or in a workplace.
That being the case, most of those students were advised to engage in meaningful occupations that will give them opportunities for overcoming reasons that stopped them from pursuing a college education. The following are only some of the post-high school graduation alternatives to consider.
Take on Apprenticeship Work
Apprenticeships are work-based training programs participated in by many US employers, because they not only help in developing young workers into becoming potential employees who can render skilled and efficient services. Apprenticeship programs also offer productivity incentives that employer-participants can claim on every dollar spent on apprenticeship programs.
Most high school graduates find apprenticeship opportunities in industries involved in construction, health technology, electricals, equipment installations and maintenance, or in fire medics. As apprentices, young workers receive special protection particularly with regard to working time. Under normal circumstances, apprentices are expected to render at least 30 hours of work during the week. They stand to receive compensation based on the national minimum wage rates stipulated in accordance with the age of the apprentice and the industry classification.
Most important of all, completing an apprenticeship program, qualifies an apprentice to receive credentials equivalent to an associate or bachelor’s degree. Entry level job opportunities in fields related to the apprenticeship program, term this qualification as “work experience equivalent to a college degree.”
Apply for Work that Do Not Require a College Degree
This option requires greater interest in performing a specific task, in order to build a promising career even without a college degree. Some examples include work as Postal Service Mail Carriers, Penal Correction Officers (prison guards), or Boilermakers, assemblers, installer or repairers of bollers.
Engage in Volunteer Work
In this aspect, there are no specific employment programs offered governing a young workers’ involvement, since the latter will render voluntary work. Still, those soliciting voluntary work are required to have Voluntary Work Programs in place.
The payback for voluntary work among young people, include receiving Living Allowance, in addition to provision of skills and training. AmeriCorps for one, also confer educational awards that grant financial rewards to use in paying for college education, vocational training, or if applicable for graduate school or for repaying student loans. In addition, most volunteer workers who does well in their line of work, eventually land well-paying jobs at public, private or non-profit organizations.
Enlist in a Military Sector
https://youtu.be/QyFnC4a_xvM
High school graduates who are confident they have what it takes to build a military career, enlist right after high school graduation. Still, even if one is not planning on a military career, gaining a job by successfully passing military training, equates to receiving regular paychecks. After at least 2 years of military service, other incentives like annual salary raises, housing and medical benefits, as well as educational assistance programs will become available.
