(Newswire.net — October 24, 2019) — Students are going to school, but only a fraction of them are finishing. According to the College Atlas, 70% of American students will attend a four-year college, but less than two-thirds will graduate, and up to 30% will drop out after the first year.
Students face many obstacles that cause them to drop out: they may have been pressured to make a decision on their career path, or faced financial deadends and could not continue. Whatever the case may be, we need to teach teens and young adults that they can pursue higher education without breaking the bank.
Excavation Contractor
Excavation contractors trade their childhood dump trucks for real-life ones, but there’s more to it than moving dirt. Their responsibilities include site preparation, grading, trenching, and operating heavy equipment.
As an apprentice, excavation work requires the candidate to be 18 or over, have a high school diploma or GED, and a driver’s license. Apprenticeships generally last for three to four years, and the student can advance their career by completing certifications. Excavators earn an average salary of $53,863, and superintendents and supervisors earn, on average, $92,312.
Ultrasound Technician
An ultrasound technician works under a physician and other medical professionals to produce ultrasound images of patients. They operate equipment that uses high-frequency sound waves to record images of internal organs for diagnosis.
While many professionals in the field have bachelor’s and associate degrees, the requirements can be met through one-year certificate programs. Medical sonographers earn, on average, $67,080 per year.
Police Officer
The duties of an officer include (not limited to) patrolling assigned areas or entire jurisdictions, issue citations, and make arrests. Prospective police officers must be willing to face the emotional, mental, and physical rigors of serving and protecting civilians and property.
Requirements vary from state to state, but the minimum needed is a high school diploma and relevant work experience before applying for the academy. Law enforcement officers’ salary depends on location, but the national average is $66,100.
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems for new or existing buildings. Applicants should consider the conditions electricians work in, such as cramped areas, or the higher risk of injuries at the job site.
Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but can also start out at a technical school. The average yearly salary for electricians is $55,190.
Is College Still Worth It?
The attitude towards higher education is changing, but we still have obstacles to overcome. No matter what path a student takes, it will demand time management, a financial plan, and a steady support system. If the career path someone chooses calls for a degree, going to college will be worth it to them.