In today’s competitive job market, it is more important than ever to have the right skills and qualifications to land the job you want. Additionally, in the current hiring market, finding and retaining skilled and diverse staff has become what feels like a monumental task for employers. While a college degree is still a valuable asset, it is not the only way to get the skills you need for a successful career. Job training programs can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to enter a specific field, and they can do so in a fraction of the time and cost of a traditional college degree.
This doesn’t mean college degrees have lost their importance. Deciding which learning path is best for you depends on many factors and life circumstances. Knowing that job training is available and a viable option for many who feel college isn’t an option, or an interest, means more choices and opportunities for Kansas Citians to secure a family sustaining career.
There are many benefits to getting a job training credential. First, job training programs are designed to teach you the skills you need for a specific career. This means that you will be able to start working in your field right away. Second, job training programs are often much more affordable than college degrees. This can be a major advantage if you are struggling to pay for college. Finally, job training programs can help you develop the soft skills that employers are looking for, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
With its newest program Great Jobs KC, KC Scholars is removing the barrier to training encountered by so many, cost. By providing tuition free job training, for those who qualify, in high-demand career paths including healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, and construction this program is putting thousands of skilled employees into the Kansas City workforce pipeline in a time when access to trained employees is a hurdle many employers are facing. Having access to a pool of employees that have not only received credentials in their chosen field but also training and mentoring in the “soft-skills” of employment – like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management provides a sense of security in hiring that doesn’t always exist elsewhere. Great Jobs KC provides not only tuition free training in a selected career field but also ongoing support and training steeped in the values employers are seeking.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to get a job training credential or a college degree is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual circumstances and goals. If you are looking for a quicker path to get the skills you need for a successful career, then a job training program may be the right choice for you.
Here are some of the factors to consider when deciding whether to get a job training credential or a college degree:
- Your career goals: What kind of career do you want? Some jobs require a college degree, while others can be learned through job training.
- Your budget: How much money can you afford to spend on education? Job training programs are typically less expensive than college degrees. – With Great Jobs KC and KC Scholars scholarship programs you can remove this factor from consideration because the training and/or education is tuition free for those who qualify.
- Your time commitment: How much time can you commit to education? Job training programs can be completed in a shorter amount of time than college degrees.
- Your learning style: How do you learn best? Some people learn best by doing, while others learn best by reading and writing. Job training programs typically offer a more hands-on learning experience than college degrees.
If you are still not sure which option is right for you, reach out to one of our Scholar Advocates by following this link to get more information on our job training programs. They can help you assess your individual needs and goals and make a recommendation that is right for you.
