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College representative Sally Difani speaks to a student about the perks of attending State Tech. “We are really trying to give our students the college experience during the 2 years they are with us,” Difani said. Photo by Makenzie Solis
Looking for a Change
Trade schools have benefitted as more graduates are looking for a college alternative
By Emma Schultheis Staff Reporter Traditional school isn’t for everyone. Some people don’t mind long lectures over criteria in their field of interest when they know it’s going to get them where they want to go in the future but not every student learns the same way. College and Career counselor Michelle Breuer provides students with insight into the best college alternatives for those looking for different ways to further their education. “I suggest trying community college first, keep working, you may realize you need more school to make more money,” Breuer said. Other than a traditional four-year college, trade schools are the most popular alternative to further education after high school through hands-on learning and realistic job-like environments. The secondary schools specialize in teaching skills for specific jobs or careers and are completed in less time than traditional college to help students get where they want to go in half the time. Ranked the best two-year college in the country for the 4th year in a row, State Technical College of Missouri has gotten students to their dream jobs in half the time a regular four-year college does. The small school in Central Missouri has over 37 different programs to help give students the tools they need to succeed in their future careers. With over 500 industry partners reaching out and trying to attract our early graduates, 99 percent of students are employed within six months of graduation.
