SO WHAT IS TECHNICAL EDUCATION? Technical Education is a term used to describe schools and colleges that specialize in the skilled trades, applied sciences, modern technologies, and career preparation. Especially in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields. It is also a college path that many students have either never considered, or don’t fully understand. And yet, we live in a technology-driven world, which is made possible through STEM careers. Many of the individuals who work in STEM-related fields receive a technical education before pursuing their career. Unlike liberal arts colleges, technical colleges use project-based, hands-on learning to help students prepare for their industry and career path. When attending a liberal arts college, students take theory or lecture-based classes on a wide variety of topics. They focus on big-picture skills, like critical thinking. At a technical college, students take courses focused on topics specific to their profession. These courses focus on problem-solving skills through project-based learning in labs, shops, and studios. They are also all about the cool tools, software, and great technology that helps you create, make, repair, and problem-solve. If you’re intrigued by specced-out laptops, or design software, or robots or tool boxes, technical college is where you’ll get to use the fun stuff. Both types of colleges offer two-year associate degrees and four-year bachelor degrees. Technical colleges also offer shorter-term certifications.
WHY CONSIDER TECHNICAL EDUCATION There are several reasons why students may choose a technical education over a liberal arts college. THEIR FIELD OF STUDY Certain degrees and programs are more suited to a technical environment. These include many of the skill-based fields, such as automation, computers, engineering, and construction. DIRECT PATH TO THE WORKFORCE Because technical education trains students for a specific profession, they have a more direct path to a career after graduation. And degree programs often include part-time positions or internships while still in school. LESS DEBT AND HIGH EARNING POTENTIAL Many technical education students not only graduate with less debt, they earn as much in their first year of employment as those who hold graduate and post-graduate degrees.
