No Limits Magazine

Southeast Wisconsin Carpentry Training Center
Southeast Wisconsin Carpentry Training Center

Blue Sky School
Blue Sky School of Professional Massage

Wisconsin Vocational Schools

High school prep: Like your classmates with plans for a four-year degree, you’ll want to complete core subjects while in high school. Technical and vocational admissions counselors are interested in seeing transcripts showing classes in applied math, science and specialized industry-specific classes.

Testing requirements: Technical and vocational colleges admit on an application-by-application basis. Depending on the school and major you are interested in, you may be required to test into your chosen program. You may also be required to take the SAT or ACT as part of the process.

Experience: Because the coursework is so specialized, it’s less likely you’ll be required to take a course unrelated to your chosen career. Also, with hands-on training and internships, you will enter the workforce with education and experience under your belt. Unlike four-year colleges, technical and vocational colleges rarely have on-campus living arrangements, so most students commute.

Thumbs up: Most technical and vocational programs can be completed in two years or less, resulting in an earlier entrance into the workforce. Wisconsin’s Technical College System (WTCS) reports that 92 percent of its graduates are employed within six months of graduation, with 76 percent employed in their field of training. WTCS also maintains a transfer agreement with the UW System, should a bachelor’s degree be in your future.

Thumbs down: If you decide to change careers, further coursework may be necessary, delaying graduation.