Can't Afford College? Try Free Vocational Training for High Paying and Fast Growing Careers

Many people are not able to afford college, either due to the high monetary payment college requires or there are lack of scholarships available. Others are just over the limit for financial aid or ineligible due to previous time spent in college. It can be a tough situation when a person or their family is making barely enough money to make ends meet, but too much money for any financial assistance. However, there is a transitional step between being a member of the working poor and college: vocational training. Vocational training is training that is hands-on and can be completed usually in a year or less. What's even better is, that with a little research, most of this training can be obtained for free. Here are some organizations to consider if you are interested in vocational training.

Builder's Associations - Many builder's associations offer apprenticeships in the areas of carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, and air conditioning/heating. Classes are usually held at nights and on the weekends. During the day, the student receives on the job training and is employed in their chosen field as a helper.

Unions - Professional trade unions are another good source of vocational training. Some of the given areas of local unions include: sheet metal workers, welders, electricians, and other trades. Apprentices are usually paired with an experienced journeyman during the day to receive on the job training and attend class at night.

Department of Education Websites- Another great resource to receive free vocational training is your local state Department of Education's website. There, many different apprentice partnerships are listed and include areas such as: office systems technology, grounds maintenance, electrical, medical, and other occupational areas.

As each program and occupational area is different, many have the same entrance requirements such as a high school diploma or GED, clean criminal record, satisfactory motor vehicle history, and a valid driver's license.

After working through your program, you can master the different occupational levels of your trade. As you progress, you will see your income grow, sometimes more than if you had attended college. You may wish to pursue that degree, but at least now with a high paying trade, paying for college will become easier and your family can live comfortably with the money you have earned. Some people return to college and receive their Bachelor's Degree in Vocational Education. This allows people who have been trained in a trade to teach at the high school or community college level. Consider vocational training as an alternative to financing your college education and a great stepping stone. You will be pleasantly surprised.