HOW TO'S FOR RESEARCHING TRAINING SCHOOLS - 2

Sunday, December 19, 2004 | 0

This is the second article in a two-part series. The first article provided information for researching how to find vocational training schools. This article will offer information about how to set up a tour and some of the key things to consider when visiting a training school.

THE TOUR

If you decide to set a tour, see how you are treated, from the first call to your arrival. How are you greeted? Does the school look well organized? Try to picture yourself in the classroom. Is the program self-paced? Is there an instructor to answer questions that will come up? Or do all students work at the same rate?

Ask them about how many students are in the classroom at one time.

REVIEW OF PROGRAMS

If you are uncertain about what you want to learn, ask for the coordinator to go over the programs with you.

What are the academic requirements (math, reading, typing, speed, etc. levels) to enter this program?

Ask about the advantages of going with one particular course of training or another. What computer skills will I learn in this training? What is the typical pay I can expect starting in these jobs?

DRESS CODE

Sometimes, schools require students to dress in clothing that would be worn in the workplace that are professional, rather than casual. Or, if those in the workplace dress in uniforms, the school may require the students to wear lab coats of uniforms. It is important to ask about a dress code and what the school expects.

On your tour, look around and notice:

How are the students dressed? Are they wearing uniforms or are they in professional clothing?

ERGONOMIC ASSISTANCE

You would want to know if the school has adjustable chairs, and can offer suggestions for computer usage for those with upper extremity injuries.

How much time per day is spent on the computer? Does the school have voice recognition software and training, if necessary? Can breaks be taken from keyboarding if necessary to another activity?

Is there the opportunity to change positions and stand if necessary to perform work? Next, you would want to find out about where graduates of the training courses find jobs. You can ask the school about this and a list of companies where those who completed the program went to work.

JOB SEEKING SKILLS TRAINING/ PLACEMENT

What is the completion rate of the program?

The Employment Rate?

What jobs will a graduate qualify for after training?

Ask the coordinator about how the school helps students find jobs. Do they help with training in job seeking skills to learn how to answer difficult questions about the reason for the career change? Do they work with the student on a resume, which describes all of your job history?

For many people, they have been employed for so long they knew someone and were hired many years ago when this was not necessary.

What specifically will the school do to help me find a job? Interview preparation? Job Leads?

Can I refresh my skills or update my resume?

If this is your first visit to the school, ask if you can set a time to return when you can sit in and observe. Be sure you go again when the students are in session, so you have the chance to talk with them about why they chose the school or a certain program.

RESOURCES

Can you provide a list of ex-students who would be willing to discuss their experiences of going through this program with me?

Are there current students I could speak to about their experience with this program or training school?

FOLLOW UP

Once you have completed your tour, go home and spend some time writing down your notes. Then you can compare your notes from all of the tours you have been on. And in doing this, you will be closer to making a decision on the type of training school and program that is right for you.

If you have a vocational counselor, review your notes with them.



Jamie Charter, Return to Work Consultant who has been providing services to disabled workers and their employers for 21 years, wrote this article. Jamie has written a series of articles specifically geared toward injured workers available on workcompcentral and posts frequently on the injured worker forum.

Jamie is also the Newsletter Editor and on the Board of Directors of the California Association of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Professionals Carrp...Keeping California Working since 1975...www,carp.org.

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