Written by Ruth G.
Vocational schools and apprenticeships offer education in trades that get you the experience and training you need, at much lower cost than four-year colleges. Upon completion, you can enter the job market without the sizeable student loan debt that often comes with a university degree, and get hired right away in a good-paying career.
Vocational Training
- Sno-Isle Tech: If you are still in high school or never received your diploma, consider Sno-Isle Tech. This local public high school provides preparatory training, certification, and post-secondary credit to students, who can then choose to continue their education, go straight to work, or both.
- College Finder: If you’re a high school graduate, find the right program for your needs with the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges' College Finder tool.
- Peterson’s Test & Career Prep: Prepare for a career in many fields, including cosmetology, firefighting, hospitality, law enforcement, medical assisting, postal service, real estate, aviation & transportation, and journeyman positions. You can study for exams, take a practice test, and find schools and scholarships. Use your library card to login.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, all under the supervision of a journey-level professional. Apprentices get paid while they learn and develop knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new career field. For more information, see the WA State Department of Labor and Industries’ useful guide on Becoming an Apprentice.
- Apprenticeship Registration Tracking System: Use this WA State Dept. of Labor & Industries database to search for apprenticeships in Washington state by county and occupation.
- Year Up: A one-year, intensive training program for under-served young adults, especially DACA students and immigrants.
- Job Corps: For free residential education and job training for young adults ages 16-24, explore Job Corps, where students have access to room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills, and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation.
- Apprenti: For apprenticeships in the Tech sector, Apprenti provides certification for today’s most in-demand tech jobs. No prior tech experience is required to start paid on-the-job training at major companies across the country. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and eligible to work in the U.S. for the duration of the program.
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Information provided by the Sno-Isle Libraries does not imply recommendation or endorsement, is not interpreted and should not be used as a substitute for consultation with a (law, engineering, financial, health care, etc.) provider.
