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Do you need more ideas for activities that will enrich your child's 4C life skills? This resource provides six videos of activities you can do with your child to help them master the 4C Life Skills.

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4C for Children has developed six video resources and kits for adults to help support children's early learning and development. The videos show how every day activities can be used to benefit children and help them develop lifelong skills.

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This article explains why family engagement is essential for a child to master the 4C Life Skills.

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September 2022 - Published by 4-C

A child's development is influenced by a number of different factors, such as their family life, their school, and the neighborhood in which they are raised. Even though each of these factors contributes directly to their development in their own ways, family engagement and interaction have an ability to make a major impact on a child's overall well-being.

Family engagement is an investment in a child's learning and development. When a parent or caregiver shows an interest in connecting with their child's teacher or child care provider, they're showing their child that they and their education are both important, that there's an interest in helping them to succeed, and that they are capable of doing it. In turn, children internalize these messages and shape their future views of themselves and education.

When a child's family is engaged with their learning both at home and at school it increases their chances to:

Have higher grade point averages

Be involved in more challenging school programs

Complete homework regularly

Have higher graduation rates

Lower dropout rates

Enroll in educational programs

While caregiver and parental investment is important, it is just as essential to for educators to develop a positive relationships with a child's family. By building relationships with parents, early care providers and teachers can utilize methods to promote family engagement and help reduce any barriers preventing engagement at home.

Ways to encourage family engagement:

Work together with families to set goals for children's education and learning

Discover the challenges, experiences, and composition of families

Post pictures of children with their families on your classroom's bulletin board

Have a welcome area for families to use during drop off and pick up

Establish trust and mutual respect to build positive relationships

Take advantage of after-school opportunities such as:

Family game night

Talking to parents at pick-up

Parent-teacher meetings

Projects that involve parents

Connecting with caregivers and parents can reduce barriers otherwise preventing active participation in a child's care and education. As a result, parents will in turn have unique opportunities to get more involved in their child's learning journey. It has been demonstrated that family engagement has a positive effect on student success regardless of income or education.

Barriers to engagement and how to overcome them:

While a parent or caregiver might want their child to succeed in child care or school, sometimes there are barriers that prevent traditional types of family engagement. This can include time constraints, economic constraints, limited access to transportation, and personal barriers like inadequate support from partners. Luckily, there are ways to work with all families to help children succeed.

These can include:

Use technology to connect with families - particularly those who aren't able to speak with you in person

When sending home forms or notes with a child, try to send a personalized note highlighting a skill the child is learning or a positive interaction they had that day

Ensure you're able to communicate with the family in their preferred language

Maintain a communication and/or outreach routine so families know when and what to expect from you

Make sure families know how to get in touch with you and encourage them to celebrate their child's at-home accomplishments

By connecting more intentionally with parents and caregivers, it's easier for everyone in a child's daily life to have a better understanding of classroom expectations and logistics. This in turn helps with the transition between home and the learning environment, which can help reduce challenging behaviors. Together we can help all children succeed and thrive.

Is your child struggling with challenging behaviors while in child care? Is there a child in your classroom or program that could use additional behavioral supports?

4-C is partnering with Behavior Help Wisconsin to offer one-on-one coaching to child care providers and programs in Dane County. For more information check out this page.

Additional 4-C Resources:

Other Resources:

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September 2022 - Published by 4-C A child's development is influenced by a number of different factors, such as their family life, their school, and the neighborhood in which they are raised.

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Thoughtful Learning: What are the 4 C's of learning skills?

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Thoughtful Learning: What are the 4 C's of learning skills?

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Do you still need clarification about the 4C Life Skills? This article provides more information about the skills and how they can help your child succeed.

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What are learning skills?
From Thoughtful Learning

The 21st century learning skills are often called the 4 C's: critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating. These skills help students learn, and so they are vital to success in school and beyond.

See videos of each main area below at the website - https://k12.thoughtfullearning.com/FAQ/what-are-learning-skills

Critical Thinking

Critical thinking is focused, careful analysis of something to better understand it. When people speak of "left brain" activity, they are usually referring to critical thinking. Here are some of the main critical-thinking abilities:
* Analyzing is breaking something down into its parts, examining each part, and noting how the parts fit together.
* Arguing is using a series of statements connected logically together, backed by evidence, to reach a conclusion.
* Classifying is identifying the types or groups of something, showing how each category is distinct from the others.
* Comparing and contrasting is pointing out the similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
* Defining is explaining the meaning of a term using denotation, connotation, example, etymology, synonyms, and antonyms.
* Describing is explaining the traits of something, such as size, shape, weight, color, use, origin, value, condition, location, and so on.
* Evaluating is deciding on the worth of something by comparing it against an accepted standard of value.
* Explaining is telling what something is or how it works so that others can understand it.
* Problem solving is analyzing the causes and effects of a problem and finding a way to stop the causes or the effects.
* Tracking cause and effect is determining why something is happening and what results from it.

Creative Thinking

Creative thinking is expansive, open-ended invention and discovery of possibilities. When people speak of "right brain" activity, they most often mean creative thinking. Here are some of the more common creative thinking abilities:
* Brainstorming ideas involves asking a question and rapidly listing all answers, even those that are far-fetched, impractical, or impossible.
* Creating something requires forming it by combining materials, perhaps according to a plan or perhaps based on the impulse of the moment.
* Designing something means finding the conjunction between form and function and shaping materials for a specific purpose.
* Entertaining others involves telling stories, making jokes, singing songs, playing games, acting out parts, and making conversation.
* Imagining ideas involves reaching into the unknown and impossible, perhaps idly or with great focus, as Einstein did with his thought experiments.
* Improvising a solution involves using something in a novel way to solve a problem.
* Innovating is creating something that hasn't existed before, whether an object, a procedure, or an idea.
* Overturning something means flipping it to get a new perspective, perhaps by redefining givens, reversing cause and effect, or looking at something in a brand new way.
* Problem solving requires using many of the creative abilities listed here to figure out possible solutions and putting one or more of them into action.
* Questioning actively reaches into what is unknown to make it known, seeking information or a new way to do something.

Communicating

* Analyzing the situation means thinking about the subject, purpose, sender, receiver, medium, and context of a message.
* Choosing a medium involves deciding the most appropriate way to deliver a message, ranging from a face-to-face chat to a 400-page report.
* Evaluating messages means deciding whether they are correct, complete, reliable, authoritative, and up-to-date.
* Following conventions means communicating using the expected norms for the medium chosen.
* Listening actively requires carefully paying attention, taking notes, asking questions, and otherwise engaging in the ideas being communicated.
* Reading is decoding written words and images in order to understand what their originator is trying to communicate.
* Speaking involves using spoken words, tone of voice, body language, gestures, facial expressions, and visual aids in order to convey ideas.
* Turn taking means effectively switching from receiving ideas to providing ideas, back and forth between those in the communication situation.
* Using technology requires understanding the abilities and limitations of any technological communication, from phone calls to e-mails to instant messages.
* Writing involves encoding messages into words, sentences, and paragraphs for the purpose of communicating to a person who is removed by distance, time, or both.

Collaborating

* Allocating resources and responsibilities ensures that all members of a team can work optimally.
* Brainstorming ideas in a group involves rapidly suggesting and writing down ideas without pausing to critique them.
* Decision-making requires sorting through the many options provided to the group and arriving at a single option to move forward.
* Delegating means assigning duties to members of the group and expecting them to fulfill their parts of the task.
* Evaluating the products, processes, and members of the group provides a clear sense of what is working well and what improvements could be made.
* Goal setting requires the group to analyze the situation, decide what outcome is desired, and clearly state an achievable objective.
* Leading a group means creating an environment in which all members can contribute according to their abilities.
* Managing time involves matching up a list of tasks to a schedule and tracking the progress toward goals.
* Resolving conflicts occurs from using one of the following strategies: asserting, cooperating, compromising, competing, or deferring.
* Team building means cooperatively working over time to achieve a common goal.

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Thoughful Learning: What are the 4 C's of learning skills?

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What are learning skills? From Thoughtful Learning The 21st century learning skills are often called the 4 C's: critical thinking, creative thinking, communicating, and collaborating. These skills help students learn, and so they are vital to success in school and beyond.

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The 4C’s: Foundational skills of the future

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The 4C’s: Foundational skills of the future

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This quick read will also explain why the 4C Life skills are essential for a child to master.

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Reading, writing, and arithmetic have traditionally been the cornerstones of education. But the world has evolved and so too must our thinking on education. We need to add the 4C's, creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking as the foundational skills of the future.

Together, the 4 C's make our children future fit.

Rebecca Winthrop from the Brookings Institution said, "We need people who are not just very narrowly trained in their discipline but we need people who can think outside the box and can think critically and get creative."

The ability to combine different ideas to explore new opportunities, to collaborate across disciplines with new 4iR technologies, and to be comfortable in an uncertain and ambiguous world will be an essential survival skill.

It would be impossible for any school to comprehend the full breadth and impact of technological opportunity. And even harder to predict how we might use future technology. Thus, having hyper-specific skills like data science or systems engineering be advantageous. But, the truth is we simply don't know yet.

What we do know is that beyond being technology aware, we need new foundational skills, for a new world.

Creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking are widely acknowledged as the new foundational skills. With the 4C's, students learn how to analyze problems and identify opportunities. They work in partnership with others to problem-solve. And they learn to creatively look at new ways of applying technology.

The 4C's empower students to confidently solve challenges in new and creative ways.

Our certified Ayara educators teach students the 4C's in a series of applied subjects. We make it fun for learners to gain critical life skills that they can apply, irrespective of their academic ability, career preference, economic circumstance, or geographical location. Instead of dis intermediating educators, we empower them with certified training, online tools, content, continuous feedback, and the ability to share knowledge and teach each other.

In turn, our teachers empower children to master the skills of tomorrow, today.

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The 4C's: Foundational skills of the future

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Reading, writing, and arithmetic have traditionally been the cornerstones of education. But the world has evolved and so too must our thinking on education. We need to add the 4C's, creativity, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking as the foundational skills of the future. Together, the 4 C's make

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What Are the 4 C's of 21st Century Skills?

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What Are the 4 C's of 21st Century Skills?

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In this article, the writer talks about how combining all 4C's in your child's life can help them in college and the workforce.

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As a middle or high school career readiness teacher, you likely need to teach 21st century skills as part of your curriculum.

While all twelve of those skills are necessary to teach, the "four C's" are often considered to be the most important.
The four C's of 21st Century skills are:

1. Critical thinking

2. Creativity

3. Collaboration

4. Communication

These four skills are essential for modern students to succeed in school and the workplace.

They often make the biggest impact in terms of setting your students apart when applying for and starting their careers.
In this article, you'll discover what each skill entails and why they are so important to teach.
You'll also be able to download a free guide on how you can teach the 4 C's of 21st Century skills in middle or high school courses.

1. Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the practice of solving problems, among other qualities.
In addition to working through problems, solving puzzles, and similar activities, critical thinking also includes an element of skepticism.

This is important in the 21st Century because it's harder than ever to verify accurate information (mostly thanks to the Internet).

Critical thinking empowers students to discover the truth in assertions, especially when it comes to separating fact from opinion.

Free Critical Thinking Lesson Download Related Resource:

With critical thinking, students don't just learn a set of facts or figures. Instead, they learn how to discover the facts and figures for themselves.

They ask questions. They become engaged in the world around them. They help others think critically, too.

That might be the most important part of critical thinking. Once one student has it mastered, it quickly spreads to their peers.

Whether they learn how to think critically from spending time online or simply asking "Why?" in everyday life, this skill prepares students for a life of independence and purposeful thought.

Still, critical thinking is just one of the four C's in 21st Century skills.

It works just fine when students use it alone. But when students combine it with the next skill, the sky is the limit to what they can achieve.

2. Creativity
Creativity is the practice of thinking outside the box.
While creativity is often treated like a you-have-it-or-you-don't quality, students can learn how to be creative by solving problems, creating systems, or just trying something they haven't tried before.

That doesn't mean every student will become an artist or a writer.

Instead, it means they'll be able to look at a problem from multiple perspectives - including those that others may not see.

Creativity allows students to embrace their inner strengths from big-picture planning to meticulous organization.

As a student learns about their creativity, they also learn how to express it in healthy and productive ways.

More importantly, they also become motivated to share that creativity with others.

Just like with critical thinking, that makes creativity contagious.

One student creates an interesting or innovative solution to a problem. Then, when they share it, the next student can become inspired to try something similar.

That's not to say every single creative endeavor will be a ringing success. Students will fail at some point, and some of their ideas simply won't work.

But that's okay. The point of creativity is to encourage students to think differently than convention demands.

They don't have to do things the way they've always been done.

Instead, they can figure out a better way.

Students don't have to embrace their creativity alone, either.

In fact, creativity works best when combined with the next 21st Century skill.

3. Collaboration
Collaboration is the practice of working together to achieve a common goal.
Collaboration is important because whether students realize it or not, they'll probably work with other people for the rest of their lives.

Virtually every job requires someone to work with another person at some point, even if it's for something as simple as what to get for lunch.

Practicing collaboration and teamwork helps students understand how to address a problem, pitch solutions, and decide the best course of action.

It's also helpful for them to learn that other people don't always have the same ideas that they do.

In fact, as students practice collaboration more and more, they'll learn that they have almost none of the same ideas that others do.

This can affect students in one of two ways. First, it could discourage them since nobody seems to agree with them that often. Second, it could embolden them because they realize they're bringing something unique to every conversation.

As a teacher, it's crucial that you encourage students to look at themselves through that second lens.

That way, students learn that they should speak up when they have an idea.

They may not be on the money 100% of the time - and some of their peers may have strong, opinionated reactions - but it'll teach them to speak up when they're working with others.
Communication is the practice of conveying ideas quickly and clearly.
4. Communication

Communication is often taken for granted in today's society. After all, if you say something, that means you conveyed an idea, right?

Not exactly.

In the age of text-based communications - SMS, emails, social media, etc. - it's never been more important for students to learn how to convey their thoughts in a way that others can understand them.

That's because text-based communications lack tone, which is critical to understanding the context of someone's words.

Still, even in situations where vocal tone is available, students need to learn how to communicate effectively.

That includes minimizing tangents, speaking directly to an idea, and checking other participants to make sure they're engaged.

Reading an audience - even if it's just two other people in a group discussion - lets students determine whether they should keep expanding on an idea or wrap up their point.

Their audience could even be their family at Thanksgiving dinner.

The point is that as students practice communication, they become better at efficiently conveying an idea without losing their point "in the weeds," so to speak.

With communication locked down, students can streamline their ideas and make a positive impression on those around them.

Still, it's important to note that communication isn't enough on its own to help students with 21st Century skills.

To really succeed, students need to use all four of these skills together.
The four C's of 21st Century skills let students create a whole that's greater than the sum of its parts.
How Do the Four C's Work Together?

That may sound overly-generalized, and you may be right. But the skills themselves are so general that it's difficult to pin down what, why, or how students should learn the four C's.

It's most accurate to say that students need the four C's for any and every reason.

Critical thinking teaches students to question claims and seek truth.

Creativity teaches students to think in a way that's unique to them.

Collaboration teaches students that groups can create something bigger and better than you can on your own.

Communication teaches students how to efficiently convey ideas.

Combined, the four C's empower students to become one-person think tanks.

Then, when those students get together, they can achieve almost anything!

How Do You Teach the Four C's of 21st Century Skills?

Now you know what the four C's of 21st Century skills are and why employers want new hires to have them.
Click below to get your free guide on teaching critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication!
So now you're probably wondering how to teach 21st Century skills in your daily middle and high school classes.

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What Are the 4 C's of 21st Century Skills?

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Need to teach 21st Century skills in your classroom? Learn why 'the four C's' are the most important ones to focus on and how you can teach them.

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This website is helpful for parents who need help with their child's education. It provides useful websites that can give valuable information on how to help your child achieve a higher education.

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As a parent, you play an integral role in your child's academic and social development. You lay the foundation for their future. If you'd like to learn more about how AVID can help your child thrive, please contact the AVID Coordinator at your child's school. If AVID is not available in your district, you can contact us directly to learn more about what we offer.

Here are some additional resources you can use to help your child thrive in school, work, and life.
Parent Toolkit
Parent Toolkit is produced by NBC News Education Nation and includes information about almost every aspect of your child's development, from early education to college and careers.
U.S Department of Education
The U.S. Department of Education provides resources to help parents in a variety of ways, covering early childhood education all the way through paying for college. Get tips on helping students with homework, reading, and math.
National Education Association (NEA)
NEA offers tips on keeping kids curious, providing emotional support, partnering with teachers, and understanding education policy.
Federal Student Aid (FSA)
FSA gives parents the information they need to save for college, learn about financial aid, and help their child complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FSA also provides in depth resources on college and financial aid in both English and Spanish.

The College Board's Big Future is a free, comprehensive resource that helps both students and parents to make college planning easier. They provide parent action plans from middle school through each year of high school and information on financial aid.
Teaching Tolerance
Teaching Tolerance has published a parent's guide to preventing and responding to prejudice.
Career Village
Career Village gives students access to career information and advice from professionals across the country. Parents can direct their children here to help them become more career-ready.

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Resources / Educational Resources for Parents | AVID

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Learn more about how AVID can help your child succeed in school and life. Contact us now to learn more about what we offer at districts.

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This is another helpful website that provides links to other websites about how a parent can help their teen get college-ready.

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Get resources to help your teen plan for college and careers on BigFuture.

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How the 4 Cs can prepare students for life beyond high school

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How the 4 Cs can prepare students for life beyond high school

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Still, do you need to understand how the 4C life skills can help your child in college? Here is an article that details how when children master these skills, they are more likely to succeed in their higher education.

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How the 4 Cs can prepare students for life beyond high school

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The 4 Cs are more than skills taught in school--they’ll stick with students throughout their academic, professional, and personal growth.

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Is your child not ready to go to college? That's okay! This website provides 22 alternative options for your child if they are unprepared to make that big decision. The best part is that college is always there for your child, no matter when they are ready.

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Graduating high school is an exciting time, but it's also a time filled with decisions! The last 18 years have been fairly laid out for you, but now YOU get to choose what you'll do with the next portion of your life.

Unfortunately, there are people who will tell you that there's only one way to do things (this "only way" often involves a four-year degree and working at the same company for thirty years). In reality, there are many options other than college and a single career track. University immediately after high school - while a great choice for many - is not the best choice for everyone.

There's alternative schooling with a lower tuition price tag. Starting an online business. Taking a gap year. A variety of productive options besides college have sprung up in the internet age, many of which can provide you with better opportunities than the traditional straight-to-college pattern. Global Citizen Year has always addressed this with our top tier gap years, but starting in fall semester 2020 we've added the Global Citizen Academy, iterating and improving on the patterns developed by other alternatives to college.

We know you have a lot to gain by taking advantage of this time in your life, and we want to show you 21 things to do instead of college that may be a perfect fit for you.

PRINCIPLES FOR GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR YOUNG ADULT YEARS

While you are free to do whatever you want with your young adult years, there are a few principles that will make this time as productive as possible. Following these principles will set you up for success no matter your pursuit:

1. Discover yourself

2. Build your skills

3. Network/build relationships

Discover Yourself

Not everybody is born with a clear sense of where they want to go and what they want to be (in fact, hardly anybody is). Now that you have more autonomy, you need to learn about yourself! Try new things, get a wide variety of experience - become a student of life no matter what you do. Year by year, you'll learn things about yourself that you didn't know in high school, and it will give you a strong sense of direction as you move forward in life.

Build Your Skills

Even if you aren't in school, be a student. Learn career skills, get experience, and increase your ability to make a valuable impact on the world. Note that this doesn't just mean being valuable to a future employer - if you want to volunteer or to start your own business or organization, you can acquire the set of skills that will make you valuable to others and to yourself. YOU are your greatest asset, and during the years after high school you should be about investing in yourself, no matter how you choose to do that.

Network and Build Relationships

Networking gets talked about a lot. You'll hear "the value of networking" and statistics that show its importance in getting a good job - but what is it exactly? High school teachers might say it involves business cards and handshakes, but when it comes down to it, networking is just another word for relationship-building. When you're looking at options besides college, networking takes on a new level of importance.

For example, if you want to work for yourself, networking is just as (probably more) important. Finding funding for a business, good partners to run it with you, employees, sales deals, business clients - every single one of these crucial business activities has its roots in networking.

Regardless of college attendance, make sure you are meeting new people and developing relationships. Aim to meet the people who are doing what you want to do or connected to things you are interested in. This network of friends and acquaintances can do as much for your career as a degree can.

THE COLLEGE VALUE PROPOSITION

It's easy to see why college is so valuable: a wide variety of general classes and opportunities to discover oneself, a degree and skill set that increases your value in the eyes of employers, and a built-in network of like-minded peers and experienced professors. Add in extracurriculars, internships, campus amenities, and recruiting activities and you can quickly see the value that college offers to young adults.

However, college is not the only path to self-discovery and increased value. It's certainly not the only way to build a strong network. And for a price tag that frequently exceeds $100k? The cost can often outweigh the benefits.

Programs like Global Citizen Year can be a smart investment for you to grow your skill set and build a powerful network while discovering whether you want to pursue the university route or not. Following is a list of things to do instead of college, when you think the traditional straight to college route may not be the right path for you.

These alternatives to college will help you discover yourself, build your skills, and make connections with valuable people - without the four-year degree price tag.

22 POWERFUL ALTERNATIVES TO COLLEGE

Explore Yourself
These alternatives to college are meant to let you explore yourself and discover what you're passionate about. Remember, there is no perfect career path, but it certainly helps to feel fulfilled by what you do.

Volunteer Service - Opportunities are a fantastic way to get diverse skills and training while discovering what you're passionate about. Taking some time to volunteer can yield benefits for your community - and also yourself. At Global Citizen Year students have the opportunity to gain lifelong skills through an immersive semester in South Africa while learning from experienced human rights advocates advancing social justice.
Discover more about the benefits of volunteering with Global Citizen Year
2. Gap Semester with Global Citizen Year - We believe that taking a gap semester is a fantastic way to get ready for whatever life throws at you, be it college or career. Gain lifelong skills through an immersive semester in a foreign country while learning from experienced human rights advocates advancing social justice.

3. Travel - Whether or not you participate in a gap year program, taking a year or even a few months to travel can have real benefits. Self-discovery, learning about the world, picking up a new language, experience with different people and cultures - these are things that college alone won't always give you. These are the perfect years to get a world education, before you get into a career proper and have more stable responsibilities.

4. Take Action for a Cause You Care About - Is there a cause you are passionate about? A local issue that is specific to your community? Starting a non-profit or volunteer initiative may be easier than you think. Not only will it give you a sense of satisfaction from service, you'll also get valuable experience and an incredible resume builder. With no degree required, these volunteer and non-profit activities make fantastic alternatives to college while you explore yourself.

Entrepreneurial Pursuits
Are you a natural born entrepreneur? Does the thought of working for yourself sound like a dream come true? Consider these realistic ways of becoming your own boss.
Alternative Schooling
Sometimes it's simply cost or location that keeps us from a traditional degree. You may want education, but know that college isn't for you. Here's a set of great options besides traditional college that can get you ahead.
Get a Job
You don't need a degree to get started. Follow your interest and get some hands-on experience - if you decide you still want to go to school, you'll be better off for having some real-life time.
College isn't the only way for you to set yourself up for success. With focus and dedication, you can discover yourself, become even more valuable, and build a strong network of friends. The best part? You can have fun doing it, while following your own path.

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22 Realistic Alternatives to College | Global Citizen Year

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With rising tuition prices, many are looking for alternatives to college. You'll be surprised just how great these alternatives are!

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Starting A Trade School Or Vocational Program? Here’s What To Expect

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Starting A Trade School Or Vocational Program? Here’s What To Expect

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Has your child discussed attending a trade school instead of college after high school? Do you need clarification on this decision? This article goes over what a trade school is and why it is a viable option besides college.

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Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, prepare students to enter career fields that require specialized training. Professionals who attend trade school include electricians, dental hygienists, veterinary technicians and plumbers.

Trade school programs are relatively affordable and highly specialized alternatives to four-year colleges and universities. Keep reading to learn what to expect from your trade school program, and check out our list of the best online trade schools.

What Is the Difference Between Trade School and College?

There are several differences between trade school and college, most of which we'll discuss below. The key difference between the two is that trade school coursework trains learners for very specific careers. College courses, on the other hand, provide students with the general skills necessary to become well-rounded learners.

A history major in a traditional four-year college, for example, takes supplemental courses in math, sciences, English and other subjects. Trade school students don't need to take classes outside of their field of study. A student learning to become a plumber, for instance, enrolls only in courses related to the installation, maintenance, extension and alteration of a plumbing system.

What to Expect When Starting Trade School

Here's what you can look forward to as a trade school student.

Learning Will Be Hands-On

The skilled trades require extensive hands-on training. You might learn some history and theory related to your field of interest, but for the most part, your instructors will put you to work.

Expect to participate in hands-on learning and labs during your trade school program. Learners studying to become mechanics, for example, learn the ins and outs of vehicle brake systems by using real equipment they'd find in an auto garage. Cosmetology students learn to cut and style hair, use modern nail technologies and apply facials-all with in-person training.

Instructors, who have typically worked in their trades for years, demonstrate the various techniques and skills graduates will need on the job.

Most colleges or universities don't employ this learn-by-doing method to the same extent. While some college programs involve labs, these typically occur only two or three times a week.

There May Be Structured Class Days

In a four-year college, students generally follow a relatively inconsistent schedule. They might attend club meetings, take study breaks or head to the dorms to nap between classes. What's more, college students typically don't follow the same routine every day.

In a trade school, however, you can expect to follow a more rigid schedule. You might be in school every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. without much additional time for other activities. That's because trade programs aim to maximize students' time in school. In most cases, students can complete their trade program in two years, versus the college student's typical four.

In some cases, trade schools offer night classes so students can work full or part time during the day.

The benefit of this structured schedule is that students receive intensive training for continuous periods. Following a routine schedule can make it easier to form learning habits that enhance information retention.

Expect Small Class Sizes

Colleges and universities-and especially large public schools-can see roughly 1,000 students in a lecture hall at a time. These huge class sizes make it nearly impossible to form a rapport with your professor or ask questions during class.

You don't need to worry about running into this issue at trade school. Many trade school classes contain no more than 10 to 25 students.

Ultimately, small classes contribute to higher student performance. That's because students can form relationships with their professors and receive timely, personalized feedback.

Smaller class sizes also lend to individualized learning experiences. Instructors have more bandwidth to give each student dedicated support both in and outside of the classroom-so get ready to get to know your professors and ask them questions.

You May Receive a Required Materials List

Certain trade school programs require students to provide their own tools in preparation for their classes. Required materials vary by program. Learners studying to become mechanics, for example, might be asked to provide their own power tools to repair vehicles.

The cost of required materials may vary as well. Plumbing students can expect to spend around $2,000 on books and materials, which may include rulers, protractors, wrenches and pipe glue. Cosmetology students might spend up to $3,000 on supplies such as mannequins, hair styling products and nail kits. Dental hygienists in training might be asked to bring their own uniforms.

Though the initial costs are high, the investment is worthwhile. Learners should get consistent value from their tools throughout your program and use them almost every day in classes. Most students use the same tools once they begin their careers as well.

You Should Be Preparing for Licensure

Before applying to a trade school program, check your prospective school's accreditation status. Accredited degrees are more likely to meet professional licensure and certification requirements.

The goal of most vocational programs is licensure. Students work to become accredited or licensed in their respective fields of study.

Many trade schools are designed to prepare students to pass professional licensing exams. Electricians, contractors and cosmetologists, among other trade professions, must earn licenses before they can begin their careers.

Some vocational programs prepare students for apprenticeships. For many careers, once a program and an apprenticeship are complete, you're qualified to begin an entry-level position in your field.

Professions like carpentry, sheet metal working and ironworking require students to complete apprenticeships before starting their careers.

Questions to Ask About Vocational Education

If you're planning to pursue trade school, you might have asked the following questions. Let's dig in.

What Are Examples of Vocational Education?

Many vocational programs are available. Some of the most common include:

Medical assisting

Pharmacy technicians

Dental assisting

Massage therapy

Cosmetology

Plumbing

Electricians

Paralegals

Veterinary technicians

Respiratory therapy

Culinary arts

What Are the Benefits of Vocational Education?

Vocational education offers several benefits. One is its relative affordability in comparison to four-year colleges and universities. Trade school graduates usually graduate with relatively low or no student debt-and they tend to earn higher salaries later on. You can enroll in most vocational programs for around $5,000 per year and graduate within two years.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduate tuition and fees at public schools cost $9,375 per year on average for in-state students and $27,091 for out-of-state learners. At private schools, tuition and fees cost $32,825 per year on average.

Trade school students also enjoy small class sizes, high graduation rates and a bright outlook for the future of skilled trades.

Additionally, the skilled trades typically offer job stability. Essential services like plumbing and nursing usually survive recessions, because these professionals are needed regardless of the economic climate.

How Long Is a Trade School Program?

It depends on what kind of program you're interested in.

Most trade school programs take no longer than two years to complete. Some, like a program for obtaining a commercial truck driving license, take as little as three to seven weeks to complete. Completion time varies depending on the school and the professions certification requirements.

How Many Classes Do I Need to Complete in Trade School?

This depends on the program you're completing. Some certificates, like the diesel technology program at the Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana, require just six courses to complete. At the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics and Cosmetology, students take 14 classes and clock a total of 1,600 hours of technical instruction and practical training before obtaining a license.

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Starting A Trade School Or Vocational Program? Here's What To Expect

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Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, prepare students to enter career fields that require specialized training. Professionals who attend trade school include electricians, dental hygienists, veterinary technicians and plumbers. Trade school programs are relatively affordable and highl

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This website provides the user with a way to connect with individuals who are looking to hire someone to join their team.

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Handshake is the #1 way college students find jobs. Join today to explore career options, find jobs and internships for students, and connect with employers hiring at your school.

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Indeed is a job search website listing hundreds of job opportunities you can apply to. You can narrow your search for what job you are looking for and where (location) you would like to work.

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www.indeed.com needs to review the security of your connection before proceeding.

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Do you know what you want to do as a career but need to know how to get started? This website provides information based on the skill you wish to learn after high school.

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The .gov means it's official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

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K‐12 : Student Resources : U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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11 resources to help high school students create a strong resume

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11 resources to help high school students create a strong resume

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This website provides links to other websites that can help students learn how to build a resume and strengthen the resume they already have, as well as helpful templates to create a resume.

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Almost every job application starts with the same thing: a resume. This is a candidate's ticket to persuading an employer that they're the right person for that job.

For high school students entering the workforce for the first time, job hunting can feel like being caught in a catch-22: employers want to hire someone with experience, but you can't get work experience unless someone hires you. This means a student's resume plays a particularly important role in their job search.

This article was designed to help high school students create a compelling resume that showcases the skills and experiences that make them a strong candidate. The following resume tips, tools and templates can be used by high school students and by those who support them in their job search.
Read more on CareerWise: Resources to support high school students' job search
Resume-Writing Tips

This guide published on the University of Toronto's Mississauga campus website was designed for students who have never created a resume before. The guide walks through quick facts related to recruiters, general guidelines for creating a resume, and tips for multiple sections that traditionally appear on a resume, such as the candidate's objective, education, experience and awards.

Written in a way that feels as though you're being talked to by a friend, this article walks students through every step of creating a resume. The article poses questions to help guide students and proposes helpful suggestions and advice for each section it explores.

This guide is divided into the different sections that make up a resume, with useful tips to help students showcase their strengths even when they don't have work experience. The guide uses a friendly, supportive voice and includes good and bad examples of how to execute the advice given.

This article lists skills high students are likely to have as well as the benefits of each skill. After students get ideas for relevant skills they can share on their resume, they may find it useful to peruse these tips for writing your first resume.

This article focuses on a specific part of a resume: the summary. It provides details on how to write a strong summary and what to include in it, as well as examples specific to high school students.

This article suggests that when it comes to entry-level positions, employers are looking for marketable skills rather than a long list of prior work experiences. That's why this confidence-boosting article focuses on helping students see the value in their existing skills and experiences, providing advice on how to identify their skills and strengths as well as examples to help prompt students to recognize what they have to offer.

In addition to offering a resume-building tool, this website also provides tips on how to approach the different sections in a student resume as well as general resume tips specific to high school students.

Templates

This page offers more than 20 downloadable resume templates designed specifically for high school students. To make it easier to choose, Zety provides a name and short description of what each template design has to offer.

Known for being a design tool, Canva also offers high school students a plethora of resume templates they can easily customize - from information to colours and typefaces - for free through its website.

Tools

In addition to providing resume-writing tips for high school students, this resource offers a downloadable resume sample and a free resume-builder tool that guides students through the process of creating (or uploading) their resume. Once students choose from among the multitude of resume templates, the tool asks them questions with pictured tiles to help them populate their resume in a simple, easy and visually inviting way. Afterwards, students can download and print their resume.

This website is entirely dedicated to helping students build their resume using its online tool. HSchool Resume promises that it takes only three easy steps: students choose a template and then answer questions so the tool can produce their resume. It costs $6.99 but after they're done, students can update their resume as many times as they need to for free.

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11 resources to help high school students create a strong resume - CareerWise

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This article was designed to help high school students create a compelling resume that showcases the skills and experiences that make them a strong candidate.

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If you have yet to go to an interview or need to brush up on your interviewing skills, this website is for you! It provides helpful and easy tips that might help you get that dream job you've always wanted.

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The Best Tips for Job Interviews

There are many different interview tips and tricks that people claim to make for a successful interview. However, it can be confusing to try all of them and keep everything straight. If you're overly worried about following tips for an interview, then you may end up stressing yourself out even more or not being authentic. That's why we've made this list of the best interview tips for you to follow:
1. Research the Company
Once you have an interview scheduled, it's important to research the company you are applying to work for. It's even better if you can find more specific information about the position you are looking to fill. This will help you be prepared for any company-related questions during the interview and also show your excitement about the company. Both of these things will assist you in standing out from other applicants. Some of the things you should research and make note of include:

The key players in the organization-like the owner, CEO, managers, and department directors

The skills and experience that the company values

The services or products that the company provides and the clients they support

The culture of the company, its values, and its mission

Reviews from former and current employees to find out what working there is like. These can often be found on websites like

The specific interviewer you will be meeting with (this will help you make a connection with them, which is very important!)

2. Practice and Prepare Ahead of Time
It's an interview, so be prepared to answer questions about yourself and your work experience. Use common interview questions to help you prepare. You can even practice your responses in the mirror or with a friend so you can get a feel for how you're doing and if you need to work on anything specific. The more you practice beforehand, the better you'll perform when it's time for the real interview. You should also use other resources for job seekers to prepare and ensure that everything is in order, like your resume, references, cover letter, and more.
3. Show Up On Time
Another important tip is to show up on time for your interview. What that actually means is you should show up . Generally, it's a good idea to show up for the interview 15 minutes early . This shows the interviewer and other employees that you are punctual and responsible. You show up where you need to be when you need to be there, and these are qualities that nearly all employers look for.

You can arrive at the location anywhere between half an hour to an hour before the interview, but you shouldn't go inside the office until 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you show up for the interview too early, it may have the opposite effect and cause employees or the interviewer to feel like they have to keep you entertained.
4. Do Your Best to Remain Calm
Job interviews can be stressful and cause you to become anxious. However, it's vital that you do your best to remain calm and composed. If you have done your research and properly prepared, then you should be confident for the interview. But, if you're still feeling nervous, here are some to keep in mind:

Make a connection with the interviewer early on. This will allow you to build rapport and feel more comfortable talking to them. The interview will feel more conversational

View the interviewer as a friend trying to help you get a job and not a foe grilling you with questions

Try to maintain good posture and eye contact

Don't fidget

Take deep breaths and don't rush your answers

Mistakes happen, so accept them and don't be too hard on yourself. Sometimes you can even make a joke about them and lighten the mood

5. Be Genuine and Positive
It's also critical during interviews for you to be both genuine and positive. This includes when discussing your former employers, your strengths and weaknesses, and anything else about yourself or your work experience. If there were problems, explain them, but don't talk down about your former employers or co-workers. This will show that you can be gracious and handle situations even if there are problems.

If you are negative or seem angry, it may change the tone of the interview and can even discourage the interviewer from recommending you for the position. Admitting your weaknesses and shortcomings will also prove that you are honest and understand the areas you need to work on. That is more meaningful to an employer than someone who claims to be perfect. Research shows that individuals who are more authentic tend to get hired more than those who aren't. So, be genuine and stay positive during your interview!
6. Follow Up Promptly
Another valuable tip for acing your interview comes after the interview is over. Follow up with the interviewer promptly-usually within 24 hours-to thank them for their time and for considering you for the position. You should also ask them if they have any other questions or need any further information from you to help them make their decision. If you talked during the interview about sending an additional document or more information, you should do that as soon as possible after the interview is over.

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The Top Tips to Ace Your Next Interview - Penn-Mar

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As the world continues to navigate the pandemic, some things are beginning to return to normal. That includes the process of getting a job. Virtual interviews have been the primary interview method for the last year, but as more and more businesses reopen their doors, the interview process is starting to move back to in-person as well.