Postsecondary Language
This activity aims to review vocabulary related to postsecondary options.
Discuss
The decisions you make about postsecondary options can shape your future, opening doors to exciting career opportunities and personal growth. Whether you are considering pursuing a degree, obtaining certification, enlisting in the military, or entering the workforce directly, understanding your postsecondary options is crucial in aligning your education with your goals and aspirations.
In this activity, we will look at different types of postsecondary programs, including vocational training, military enlistment, community college, and university degrees. By the end of this activity, you will have a clearer understanding of the choices available to you and how they can impact your life beyond high school.
Watch
Post-Secondary Education (2:13) - this video provides a brief overview of postsecondary options with a focus on apprenticeships and certification programs
[Note to Instructors: You can end the video at the 1:43 mark if it does not end there automatically, as the end of the video does not pertain to Ohio.]
Review
Postsecondary Education Vocabulary (PowerPoint) Feel free to modify the vocabulary to meet your students’ needs.
Postsecondary Education: Education or training you receive after leaving high school. There are many ways to continue learning and advancing toward your career goals after high school ends.
Certification: Certification programs typically take a few months to a year to complete. These programs are focused on specific skills within particular career fields (e.g., certified forklift operator, certified phlebotomy technician (CPT), emergency medical technician (EMT), CompTIA A+ (foundational IT skills)).
Licensure: Some occupations require workers to have a permit, typically issued by government agencies. Requirements for different types of licenses vary but usually include completing training, earning a degree or certification, and/or passing an exam (e.g., barber or cosmetologist, commercial driver’s license (CDL) , nurse , or teacher).
Degree: You can only earn a degree from an accredited school. Most degrees come from colleges or universities. Degree programs typically take longer to complete and require at least 2 years of full-time study. These programs have a broad focus to prepare students for a variety of careers within or across specific industries (e.g., Associate of Science (AS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Master of Business Administration (MBA)).
Vocational Technical Education: A type of school where you learn specific job skills by practicing them. You can learn things like fixing cars, cooking, or using computers for work (e.g., auto mechanic, chef, computer technician, cosmetologist (hair stylist), dental hygienist).
Trade School: A school that teaches you how to do a specific job, usually with your hands. It’s shorter than college and prepares you for careers like being a plumber, electrician, or hairstylist (e.g., plumber, electrician, welder, HVAC technician (heating and cooling), medical assistant).
Apprenticeship: A program where you learn a job by working with someone who’s an expert. You get paid while you learn at the jobsite (e.g., construction worker, plumber, electrician, farmer, software developer).
Journey-level: A professional who has completed an apprenticeship and associated training along with passing any necessary exams for their license or certificate (e.g., welder, plumber, electrician, roofer, HVAC Technician).
Military Enlistment: Joining a military branch such as the Army, Navy, or Air Force to serve and protect our country. You can learn job skills, travel, and get money for school.
Community College: A school close to home where you can take classes for two years. It’s often less expensive than other colleges and can help you get ready for a job or to go to a college or university later. Classes may be in-person or virtual. (E.g., nurse, paralegal, graphic designer, preschool teacher, bookkeeper).
College/University: A school where you study for about four years to get a degree. You can learn about many different subjects and prepare for various careers. Classes may be in-person or virtual. (E.g., teacher, engineer, accountant, social worker, business manager).