career change Archives - �鶹AV

Trade School vs College – What’s the Difference?

�鶹AV Admin — Thu, 27 May 2021 14:57:24 +0000

For the most part, Americans think that a 4-year college is the only option for higher education. And over the past couple of decades, we’ve been taught that the natural path after high school is to attend a college or university.

As a result, the common idea is that you can’t be successful without a bachelor’s degree. But, there are other options. And one of those options is a Trade School (also known as a technical or vocational school).

Misconceptions have told us that trade schools are “alternatives” for folks who don’t have the skills to attend college. So, the job skills gap has widened and college debt has risen exponentially. Now, more and more people are starting to look to trade schools as an affordable and quick alternative to college.

Healthcare Career Training Programs

HVAC/R Career Training Programs

Technology Career Training Programs

Truck Driver Career Training Programs

What Is Trade School?

A trade school is an educational institution that trains students in a number of fields that translate directly to a job. Trade schools have on-the-job training integrated into coursework so that a student is fully prepared to enter the field of their degree immediately after graduating.

5 Key Differences Between College & Trade Schools

There are a lot of differences between a four-year college and a trade school like �鶹AV. Hut we’re going to take a deeper look at the 5 differences that matter the most.

1. The Cost of Going to School

The cost of higher education is a major factor for anyone choosing a school to attend. In 2020,��with the average student owing just under $33,000 after graduation. Those costs increase each year.

Trade school is much cheaper than a four-year school. At �鶹AV, the total cost of tuition ranges from $6,000 – $20,000 depending on the program.

Do you need help paying for your career training? �鶹AV career programs are eligible for the��as well as��grants and loans. ��鶹AV offers a scholarship to its students, also.��The Charlie Liponis Scholarship��was established in 2010 to help students achieve their goals without building debt.

These savings mean fewer student loans and more financial freedom when you move into your career. That’s a huge advantage for people shopping for their first home and building a family.

2. Time to Completion & Graduation

A Bachelor’s degree program requires at least four years of classes, lectures, labs, and internships before you graduate. At a trade school, you’ll get your career diploma, certifications, or licenses within 6 weeks to a year. That difference adds up to a lot of money when you consider how soon you can start earning a professional’s salary.

The graphic below illustrates what 4 years at a trade school looks like versus a four-year college:

3. Type of Coursework

There are plenty of ways to learn a subject. The traditional college experience involves many different classes intended to round you out as an experienced student. An English major takes their English courses with math, history, psychology, and many other courses. This approach works for many people, but not everyone.

But, at a trade school coursework is focused solely on training related to your chosen field. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the industry and any technology involved. For example,��HVAC students��focus on learning about heating and AC units. So, they won’t have to worry about passing a class outside of their program of interest.

4. Job Availability

In modern fluctuating economic conditions, many graduates of a four-year institution have trouble finding jobs in their field. Bachelor’s program graduates might decide to earn a Master’s degree to make them better candidates for high-paying jobs. But sadly, the added qualification may not be enough to get the job.

Trade schools train students for skilled careers that prepare them to work as soon as they leave school. �鶹AV trains students using the same technology and techniques used by industry professionals. As a result, this makes our graduates the top candidates for open positions in their fields.

�鶹AV also provides assistance to all students during their job hunt. Our career services department helps all students with resumes, cover letters, and interview prep. �鶹AV also has partnerships with many local employers which gives our graduates a foot in the door to a new career.

5. Career Stability & Job Security

With the advancement of technology and the internet, it’s never been easier for companies to outsource their labor to foreign countries. In 2018, U.S. overseas affiliates employed��. The biggest industries at risk include call centers, human resources, and manufacturing.

The skilled careers taught at �鶹AV and other trade schools are not as vulnerable to the threat of outsourcing. For example, a phlebotomist can’t draw blood from a person in a different country. A commercial truck can’t be driven from India. When an AC unit breaks down a technician is required on-site to fix that unit.

A trade certificate or license gives students guaranteed job security. It allows them to have more stability and earning potential throughout their lives.

What Can I Learn At A Trade School?

Currently, �鶹AV’s curriculum includes��healthcare programs,��HVAC/R programs,��technology programs, and��commercial trucking programs.

See What You Can Learn At �鶹AV

Graduate in less than a year with job offers.

Learn More About Training

Conclusion

For many Americans, a four-year college may be the right choice. But, trade schools provide another option. Trade schools train and prepare you for your new life in less time and for less money. �鶹AV offers:

Hands-on learning
Flexible schedules
Distance learning options
Experienced instructors
FAFSA and��GI Bill ® eligibility
And an opportunity for a better career

What are you waiting for? Schedule a meeting with an Admissions Advisor, today. Or, take a tour of the campus nearest to you and see for yourself why �鶹AV has been Maine’s premier trade school for the past 25 years.

Request More Information About Career Training

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What I like most about my job at �鶹AV

�鶹AV Admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2014 16:59:41 +0000

By Megan Burpee

I was asked yesterday “What do you like most about your job?” I have to say that the best part of my job is watching students succeed: from the moment they come through the door to the moment they get a job. Each student succeeds in different ways, but they all have something in common. They become a stronger person! I am very proud to be a part of that. This is what some students have to say:

I enjoyed my experience at �鶹AV, the staff and students are always helpful. The flexibility is something that I found best for me with three children and work schedule. I would recommend the school to others and already have.

–Amanda Stanley

�鶹AV gave me the resources I needed to be able to get the job that I have always wanted to do.

–Cindy Bridges

My experience here at �鶹AV has been a life changing one. This program has taught me to push myself more than I thought I could with the much needed and continuous support of the staff here. I was able to graduate and prove to me “this is possible.” I feel very blessed to have such supportive people on my side. Thank you all for being patient with me as I figured out this part of my life. Now for the next chapter. I could not have done it without �鶹AV.

–Meaghan Wooldridge

I just want to say �鶹AV fit my life very well, with the flexibility and understand of my life outside of here. I have two children. I am a single mom and working. �鶹AV worked with me and encouraged me through the program. I’m thankful for all the wonderful staff at �鶹AV and would recommend them to anyone.

–Jennifer Fournier

My time at �鶹AV was truly amazing. All of the faculty and advisors really work so well with you. Everyone is so nice and it’s almost like a little family here at �鶹AV. I would recommend it to anyone! Thank you!

–Shani Morris

I loved this school and appreciated all the teachers and staffs help. Very close knit program makes for easier one-on-one with students.

–Ashley Wallace

Students at �鶹AV Succeed With Real-World, Hands-On Training

�鶹AV Admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2014 20:34:10 +0000

Scarborough, ME | June 4, 2014 – As the news continues to circulate on jobs in Maine and what can be done to create higher paying jobs and to keep young people in the state, �鶹AV (�鶹AV) would like to share a solution that’s resulted in local job creation across multiple industries.

�鶹AV is Maine’s only locally owned & operated career school as well as the state’s only Nationally Accredited truck driving school. Most programs at �鶹AV average tens of thousands of dollars less than many other schools in the state while taking literally a 10th of the time on average to complete. And the big difference between �鶹AV and the rest? JOBS.

Recently, Maine Medical Partners hired 4 graduates from the Clinical Medical Assistant and Medical Office programs, while other graduates have acquired positions at NorDx, Healthport, Orthopedic Associates and Maine Centers for Health.

�鶹AV’s Information Technology (IT) students are securing employment in many cases before they graduate, with current students launching IT careers at Time Warner Cable, Bell Techlogix, Metrocast, and contract work for Google through MarketStar.

�鶹AV has experienced tremendous success placing HVAC/R graduates in heating and refrigeration technician positions throughout the state. Hiring companies include: Atlantic Comfort, Pine State Heating, HVAC Services, Comfort Systems, Fontaine HVAC, Northeast Mechanical, Estes Oil, J. Hannah Mechanical, Gelinas HVAC, and reVision Heat.

At �鶹AV’s Bangor campus, more than 20 recent graduates found employment with regional employers. An additional 12 students were accepted into the externship program at various healthcare organizations where �鶹AV graduates continue to hone their career skills while gaining valuable real-world experience in the medical industry.

All of �鶹AV’s programs as short as 5 weeks for CDL trucking, and even our IT, Medical, and HVAC programs can be completed in about 6 months or less. All programs lead to national certification (or Licensure) and the school has partnered with and placed their graduates with many of Maine’s top employers in the Medical, IT, HVAC, and transportation industries.

As a career training school, �鶹AV teaches valuable hands-on skills that are in high demand throughout the medical industry. This has helped �鶹AV establish lasting relationships with clinical externship sites at some of the largest medical facilities in the state and laboratories such as NorDx. This externship program provides students with real-world “on-the-job” training which can often lead to employment. Recently, �鶹AV has partnered to create additional externship site opportunities with Central Maine Medical Center and Women to Women in Yarmouth.
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�鶹AV is a career school with campuses in Bangor and Scarborough. They attract a diverse student base seeking training in highly employable fields like Allied Health, Commercial Drivers’ License, Information Technology and HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration). The school offers job placement assistance, flexible scheduling, and federal financial aid for most programs and for those who qualify. For more information, go to .
For more information please contact:
Jennifer Thompson, Campus Director
jthompson@ntinow.edu
207-883-5130

Annual Report

�鶹AV Admin — Fri, 20 Dec 2013 21:00:00 +0000

By: Rachael Bilodeau

�鶹AV completed its annual Completion, Placement and Licensure report this past week. ��The results are as follows:

For the period of July 2012 through June 2013, �鶹AV had an average class retention rate of 81.7%. The overall graduation rate was 78.3%, and a job placement rate of 87.5%. �� The Licensure rate was 85.3%.

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Happy Holidays!

Christmas Vacation starts December 23rd through December 27th (closed for all students) – Weekend CDL Students have the 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th off as well as the week of Christmas.

New Years Day is Wednesday January 1st, 2014â€”Campus is ��Closed

��

In Other News:

Gordan B. CDL hired at Re-Harvest
Kim T. CMA ��hired at ��
Dan S. ��CDL ��hired at ��
Johnny H. IT hired at ��
Nathan S. ��Passed ComTIA Network+ Certification
Bonita B. Passed ��NHAâ€”CPT
Adrianna D. ��Passed �� NHAâ€”CPT
Richard L. Passed Medcaâ€”MLA