Make a Difference – Be a Registered Nurse!

The United States Department of Labor said that the career outlook is bright for Registered Nurses up to 2020.   The expectation is that over 1.2 million job openings for Registered Nurses will become available during that time.  

It seems there are two reasons why.

1. Many nurses are baby boomers who are getting ready to retire.
2. The US population is aging and there will be great need for health care practitioners.

There are many options to train to become a Registered Nurse. 

There are tons of nursing programs and so you should do your research to find one that is a good fit for you.  

- Look for schools that have a focus on health care training.  

- If you are looking at large colleges and universities, look for those with collaborative relationships with medical centers and hospitals.

- If you are looking for smaller, for-profit career training schools, look for those recognized by the state’s Board of Nursing.  For example Medtech offers an RN program at three of its campuses.  

If after your research you decide being a Registered Nurse is not for you, use these other career resources to expand your career and industry awareness.  

Evaluate Key Support Services When Choosing a Career Training Program

Career training is a great for job seekers get practical job skills that will help them be more competitive in the job market.  

I recently wrote an article for Yahoo Voices about some of the key support services that career training programs offer and how to evaluate them.

Here are three things to evaluate as you look for a career training program.

Ask About Career Advising 

• Does the program allow you to meet with career advisors before you begin the program?
• Do they assist with job search skills such as resume writing or conduct mock interviews?
• Do they allow students to connect with successful alumni?
• For how long will graduates have access to career advising after graduation?

Ask about ESL (English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes) 

• This is relatively new for career training programs.  For example Medtech offers an ESL program for Spanish speaking individuals at two of its campuses in the Washington DC region.   

Find out about Financial Aid Services 

• Ask if qualified financial aid counselors are readily available for in- person visits?
• Can you get answers to emails or even communicate via text messaging?
• Are they willing to speak with only you or will they discuss financial aid impact with your family as well?

Read - Choosing a Career Training Program? Evaluate These 3 Key Support Services 

4 Engineering Careers with Two Year Degrees

Many people do not know that it is possible to have a successful job in engineering jobs with a two-year degree.  These 4 technician jobs in the engineering field have relatively higher wages and good potential growth for the future. (Source Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Electrical Engineering Technicians
Electronic Engineering Technicians
Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians
Environmental Engineering Technicians

Details of salary and training.

Land a Job on the Top 10 List of Hard to Fill Jobs with a Vo-Tech Degree

Have you seen this list of the Top 10 Hardest to Fill Jobs in the U.S.?  It might surprise you that many of the jobs on the list requires vocational training or an Associates Degree that you can complete in eighteen to twenty-four months.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, becoming a Machinist requires vocational training, on-the-job training or an Associates degree.

The Top 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill in 2011 were identified in the annual Manpower Talent survey as:

• Skilled Trades
• Sales Representatives
• Engineers
• Drivers
• Accounting and Finance staff
• Information technology staff
• Management and executives
• Teachers
• Secretaries and administrative assistants
• Machinist and machine operators

Many of these positions from Skilled Trades to Machinists and Machine Operators require an Associates degree which you can get from a good Vocational training or career training program in twenty four months or less.   

Read How to Land One of the Jobs on the Top 10 Hardest U.S. Jobs to Fill to get six additional tips on how to get one of these jobs.

5 Job Search Skills for New Vo-Tech Grads

Many Vo-Tech programs do a really phenomenal job of preparing students in the classroom for their new jobs after vocational training program.  Although many Vo-Tech schools also provide career and job search assistance, many Vo-Tech grads really don't master the job search skills they need to sell themselves.  A successful job search strategy for new Vo-Tech grads should focus on these 5 job search skills if they want to launch a successful career.  

Job search skill # 1 for new Vo-Tech grads - Be honest with yourself
Without the ability to honestly evaluate your values, interests, skills and abilities the job search for a new Vo-Tech graduate might be very frustrating.  Just as you evaluated your interests to find the right Vo-Tech program or career training program, you also have to evaluate your likes and dislikes to find the right job.

Job search skill # 2 for new Vo-Tech grads - Networking skills
With Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts, some Vo-Tech students think they have all the skills they need to network.  However, Vo-Tech grads should know they have to get up from behind the computer as well to network with people who can help them find jobs.

Job search skill # 3 for new Vo-Tech grads - Writing skills
Unfortunately some Vo-Tech programs do not stress writing skills and some Vo-Tech graduates don't have the necessary writing skills to succeed in a job search.  Vo-Tech new grads should get help from career advisers with resume writing, cover letters and thank you letters.  Sample Vocational Resumes

Job search skill # 4 for new Vo-Tech grads - Job interviewing skills
Vo-Tech grads can rely on career advisers to help them get job interviews.  However, during the job interview it is the responsibility of the Vo-Tech grad to land the job.  Ask for help with mock interviews on campus.  Check out the Interview FAQs here for students and grads in Vo-Tech programs.

Job search skill # 5 for new Vo-Tech grads - How to evaluate a job offer
Vo-tech grads should know how to evaluate a job offer.  Many Vo-Tech grads who do well in school can have multiple job offers from different employers.  Evaluating a job offer includes looking at career benefits such as training and professional advancement.  There are non-career benefits to consider as well such as schedule and commute.

More articles for Vocational Training (Vo-Tech) grads:
How to Show Vocational Training on Resume and Cover Letter
Top 10 Resume FAQs for Vocational Students

Graduating and Have No Experience? No Problem

Are you graduating from a vocational training program and have little or no experience in the field? If your related work experience is weak you should be thinking hard about other relevant experience to sell in the job interview.

Keep in mind that employers are not as interested in where you developed the job skills you have, as much as which job skills you actually have. As a graduate from a vocational training or career education program, employers are also interested in your knowledge, abilities, work ethic and attitude.

You can showcase these behaviors in the job interview whether you learned them in school or in a personal life experience.

For example:
Let's say you have completed a hospitality or culinary career program, which included some hands on training, but you have not worked in a restaurant. You might be able to talk about your experience catering events for your church, community organization or for family events.


Before your job interview, make a list of the top competencies that employers in your field want from new employees. You can get this information two ways:
1. From the career placement office staff at school
2. Use O*Net Online to find culinary professions

Once you have the list, think about a personal experience you have had that could demonstrate each of these competencies and remember that experiences do not have to be paid!

5 Benefits of Career Training Programs

Career colleges offering career training and vocational training specialize in hands-on job training programs to prepare job hunters to hit the ground running in a new career. Career programs help students quickly build on current job skills or acquire new job skills.

Here are some of the skills employers want from graduates coming from career training programs.

1.Projects and practical, hands-on classes
Career training focuses on teaching the skills necessary to hit the ground running in the job market. Career Placement services in career training programs know what hands-on experience employers want and are able to show vocational students how to sell these skills to employers.

2. Time Management
Career training programs can be an intense commitment of time to complete even a certificate course. Completion of a career management program shows good work ethic, motivation and commitment.

3. Flexibility
Some career training and vocational training programs offer on-line and on-site classes at different times to suit students who have to work around family commitments.  Employers are impressed with vocational training graduates who show that they mastered the flexibility necessary to juggle life and finish a program.

4. Determination & Motivation
Completing a vocational program shows the employer a student's level of determination and motivation to succeed.  This is a characteristic that employers will value and look for in new candidates.

5. Buzz words
Because career training programs are shorter than a bachelor's degree, graduates complete their career training program, knowing the most current specific industry “buzz” words and phrases. Graduates of career training programs who use these industry "buzz" words in a resume to demonstrate knowledge, will attract the attention of recruiters and hiring managers who are using these "buzz" words to screen resumes to find the right candidate.

More resources for career planning graduates:
Top 10 FAQs from Vocational Students about Resumes
How to Choose a Vocational Training Program

Pennco Tech: Let Career Training Turn your Hobby into a Career

Pennco Tech has been offering Automotive Technology programs in the state of Pennsylvania for decades. The first time I heard about the school was when my nephew applied to the Bristol, PA location in the early 1990’s. He had just graduated high school and the US economy was sputtering as the country slowly rebounded from that recession. He continued to tinker with cars to earn extra money as he decided on his next step.

Now, almost two decades after graduation from Pennco Tech, my nephew is a successful auto mechanic and entrepreneur managing his own shop now for almost 15 years. Despite the bad economy, his business has grown steadily. Primarily, I think, due to ongoing professional training for himself and his staff, and the early commitment he made to providing excellent customer service. In addition, the very nature of the bad economy we are experiencing seems to drive his business as well. People who are looking to increase or preserve the value of their automobiles are choosing to repair and routinely maintain their vehicles.

It is often said that one of the surefire ways to recession proof one’s career is to get serious about additional training. My goal today is not to tell you about my nephew’s success, but to encourage you to explore opportunities for learning and new careers even in a down economy. Or maybe I should say, especially in a down economy. Experts widely believe we are living in a "knowledge economy" and the more committed we are to lifelong learning and new training, the more recession proof our careers will be.

As experienced automotive technicians retire, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting that opportunities should be very good for those who complete postsecondary automotive training programs like that at Pennco Tech. If you are thinking about your next career step and not sure where to start, look around your own city for training programs that could help you turn your hobby into a successful career like my nephew did.

Get Fit for Life; Become a Personal Trainer

If you are considering a new career path in the growing personal wellness industry, have you thought about the following reasons to become a Personal Trainer?

Emphasis on Health and Wellness
There is no topic today garnering more air time and public debate than healthcare. Listen carefully to the dialogue and you’ll hear conversations about a healthy new focus on wellness and preventative care. If a lot of clinical work is not appealing to you, but you love the concept of helping people live healthier lives, consider becoming a Personal Trainer. It is definitely a way to enter the increasingly important healthcare industry.

Projected Need for Personal Trainers
The US Department of Labor projects that the need for Personal Trainers will grow much faster than average over the next several years. As the self-help industry grows, more people are turning to independent professionals like Personal Chefs and Life Coaches to help them keep their lives on track. Personal Trainers will have the same ability to support individuals, families and organizations create and maintain healthy habits.

Evolution in the Occupation
In an interview with WebMD, Fred Klinge, chairman of Health and Registry Board at the American College of Sports Medicine spoke of how the scope of personal fitness trainers had broadened. "It's not just about weight lifting and cardio work anymore…it's more about assistance in developing a healthy and fit lifestyle."

Chance to Start a Business
Self employment is an increasingly attractive option in this tough economy as people look for ways to “recession proof” their careers and create multiple streams of income. If you are already committed to your own personal fitness routine but would love to motivate and support others to reach their goals, consider working towards a new career as a Personal Trainer.

As with all career decisions, due diligence is required. Start your research by exploring personal training programs like the one at Bryan College, offering flexible, online classes which can lead to a certificate in about 60 weeks.

5 Ways to Focus on Your Education

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and so I wanted to flatter the Penn Foster College blog by sharing an entry from their vocational college blog for distance learners.
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Many distance learners agree that the most difficult part of studying online is staying motivated. Because students must take the initiative to complete their courses completely on their own, without the physical presence of teachers and other peers, many students find it easy to become distracted and discouraged in their work. Don’t let this happen to you – plan ways for yourself to stay motivated before you’re tempted to stray from your books. Use these five motivational tips to stay on task:

1. Connect with your classmates. Visit our MySpace page, Facebook groups, Penn Foster Proud Group on Flickr.com, or even a Yahoo! Group and start conversations with your fellow classmates. Talk about your day, your studies, whatever will keep you connected, motivated and give you that sense of “classroom” in a virtual environment. Once you begin talking to fellow Penn Foster students, you may even find a few in your area that will be willing to start a physical study group! Having the support of your peers during your studies with Penn Foster is extremely rewarding and important.

2. Discuss what you learn. Find a friend or relative who has similar interests or who would enjoy hearing about your studies and let them know what’s going on in your classes. You’ll understand the material better when you have a chance to explain it out loud and will be motivated to stay on task in order to keep up with the conversation.

3. Chart your progress. Design your own map of completed classes and post it somewhere that is visible daily. There’s a certain satisfaction that comes with watching your goals be accomplished. When times get hard, you can always turn to your chart and see how far you’ve come.

4. Reward yourself. You get rewarded for good credit and safe driving, why shouldn’t you reward yourself for doing well in your coursework. Whether it is a night on the town, a new dress, or even a new car, setting up a reward system just may be the extra push you need to succeed.

5. Take time for fun. If you’re spending all your time working, studying, and watching after the kids, you’ll likely suffer in all areas. Everyone needs some down time to re-group. So, set aside a little time every week for a favorite activity. You’ll be more productive when you return to your work.

What helps you stay motivated? Do you have any tips or suggestions to add to our list?

Source - Penn Foster blog

Thinking About a Job in Construction

If you are thinking of jumping into the construction industry keep in mind that big builders reported big losses in 2007. The continuing real estate slump is resulting in job losses among construction workers and those in related jobs. In fact, unemployment for construction workers hit 9.4% in December 2007, with just under a million people out of work in the industry. However, pay close attention to what kind of stimulus package rolls out of Washington DC. If the planned infrastructure enhancements are approved, there may be room for new hires in construction.

Some reported builder losses in 2007:
-Hovnanian lost $469.3 million in 2007
-Toll Brothers lost $81.8M in Q4 2007
-Pulte Homes posted a 2007 Q2 loss of $507.6M

If you work in construction or a related industry, stay positive and start exploring your options at these construction job search sites:
Construction Work
Monster
Craft Staffing
Thingamajob
Dry Wall Florida
iHireConstruction

Medical Assistant Vocational Training Program Checklist

Found a really great checklist for you if you plan to attend Medical Assistant training in a vocational program. Here is a quick summary from Medical Assistant blogspot:

1. Contact the vocational training school or online program and ask questions.
2. Ask if the program is composed, managed or taught by experienced medical assistant professionals.
3. Review the program syllabus.
4. Find out the program's success and pass-rate, the percentage of students that graduate successfully, sit certification songs and land jobs.
5. Ask about the vocational training program refund policy.
6. Choose only courses that meet your specific educational needs and goals.
7. Check the vocational school's recognition and accreditation status.
8. See if the website has a blog or public forum to read comments from students.
9. Examine the vocational school's address. Is it a physical address or virtual.
10. Ask around and seek advice from professionals in the field.
11. Know what employers want and the future outlook of the medical assisting career.

Make it Easy for Employers to Find You - Fix Your Resume!

Congratulations if you have completed your career education program, a vocational training program or college degree and are now job hunting. By now you should have a professional resume completed and ready to share with potential employers. (See High School Sample Resumes, College
Sample Resumes and Vocational Resume Samples).

As you embark on your job search, you should know that busy recruiters and hiring managers discard resumes from good candidates all the time. Why? Because the employers are unable to connect with candidates due to incorrect contact information.

If you are job hunting you must make it easy for recruiters to find you. Here are 20 tips to help you proofread the contact information section of your resume.

Also read Resume/Interview FAQs for:
High School Students/Grads
Vocational Students/Grads
College Students/Grads

US Oilfield Deaths Have Risen Sharpley

I look through job boards all the time and came across several websites offering jobs in the oil and gas industry. One had the following opening paragraph -

Imagine, within the next two short weeks we could potentially get you working in an oil industry position paying upwards of $100,000 per year! If you're absolutely serious about landing a high paying oil industry job, then you must apply today so we can attempt to get you working in the next few weeks!

From reading the testimonials it would appear that it would be relatively easy to land a six figure income working on an oil rig in a pretty short time.

A little more research led me to an AP article addressing the significant increase in the number of fatalities on oil and gas rigs.

Did you know that almost 600 workers died on the job in a US oil field between 2002 and 2007? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics during that period, the number of deaths per year rose by around 70 percent, from 72 victims in 2002 to 125 in 2006 and a preliminary count of 120 in 2007.

There has been a surge in the number of people employed in the nation's oil and gas fields since 2000. Many of the deaths have happened in Texas, which is the nation's largest producer of crude oil and natural gas.

Some of the factors experts blame for the increase in fatalities:
- New, inexperienced workers who speak very little English
- High pressure work environment where workplace safety lapses are common
- Drug and alcohol use among workers. Some may be turning to speed to get through 12hour shifts.
- Misuse of heavy machinery that can maim and kill easily

"A lot of the rig crews are made up of people who were working at Wal-Mart yesterday. Literally," said Mark Altom of the Woodard, Okla.-based Energy Training Council.



Source - AP

Apprenticeships for VoTech Graduates

College students looking to gain practical job skills in careers offering high hourly wages and future stable employment should consider an Apprenticeship training program.

Many college graduates are opting to add a recognized apprenticeship program after completing 2-year college programs.

The Department of Labor defines registered apprenticeships as follows:

"Registered apprenticeships are formalized career training programs that offer a combination of structured on-the-job training and related technical instruction to employees. The goal is to train employees in occupations that demand a high level of skill.

Apprenticeship training standards are industry-driven; an industry or program sponsor determines the skill requirements needed to build and sustain a quality workforce.

The apprenticeships can last from one to six years based on the occupation. The apprentice works and learns under the direction or experienced journey workers and typically salaries will increase as these college graduates gain more training.

The Department of Labor offers several online brochures to give more information on apprenticeship programs in multiple industries.

Considering a Career like Joe the Plumber?

The presidential campaign certainly has put one career solidly in focus over these last few weeks - Plumbing. Plumbing is a skilled trade and plumbers are well paid.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shares these tidbits about Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters:

- Although there are no uniform national licensing requirements, most States and communities require plumbers to be licensed.
- Most residential and industrial plumbers get their training in career and technical schools and community colleges and from on-the-job training.
- Applicants for union or nonunion apprentice jobs must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. Apprenticeship committees may require applicants to have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
- Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially for workers with welding experience.

Industries and wages:
Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters were:

Natural gas distribution - $24.91 hr
Nonresidential building construction - $21.30 hr
Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors - $20.44 hr
Utility system construction - $19.18 hr
Local government - $17.86 hr

Find information on plumbing apprenticeships here.

Vocational training programs at schools like Penn Foster can help students create a career like Joe the Plumber. The Penn Foster program can help students train for a plumbing career at home.

Career and Technical Education Best Alternative to 4-Year Colleges

The Career College Association (CCA) conducted a survey of 830 adults who were 18 and over in March. In a press release to share the results, The President of CCA, Harris Miller, stated:

"Most Americans realize and accept that a degree from a four-year university is not the right choice for all young people, and they see career colleges as better alternatives for skills development than community colleges by a nearly 3 to 1 margin. That fact speaks volumes.”

Certainly, four year colleges produce a large number of college grads in the US, however, they cannot meet the entire demand for qualified workers in a 21st economy. President Miller states that the survey offers convincing evidence that the US should be offering more skills training as part of higher education options.

Here are some of the findings from the survey:

1. When asked for the best alternatives to a 4 year college degree:
-45% said a career or technical school
-17% said community college
-23% said on the job training from employers

2. 65% of those responding says that the presidential candidates should pay more attention to ensuring a competitive American workforce.

3. 62% of the respondents felt that the average American has none to moderate opportunity to pursue higher education in America.

CCA Calls on Students, Faculty and Staff to Vote

In a press release last week, the Career College Association (CCA) is encouraging civic participation from the students, faculty and staff from career education institution. There are over 1250 accredited, private postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities that are member organizations of the CCA.

CCA member schools offer career education to almost 3 million students.

“Regardless of party affiliation, all agree this election is one of the most significant in modern times. Given the many challenges facing not just our sector but the nation at large, it is critical Americans vote into office leaders ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow,” said CEO of CCA, Harris Miller. “Active participation in the most fundamental of all political acts—voting--helps our sector steer a better course and could have a significant impact on what is expected to be a very close election a mere five weeks away.”

Making Video Resumes for Vocational Students

A Video Resume is a short video created by a jobseeker to showcase their skills and qualifications to potential employers. Many job boards including Career Builder, Jobster and MyWorkster, allow jobseekers the ability to add Video Resumes to their online profiles.

The Video Resume, will not replace your traditional paper resume, but can enhance the presentation of your skills to employers. Here are some tips on using a Video Resume for Vocational students.

TIP-*Students in vocational training programs can always check with the campus career advisors about partnering with film, video or graphic design students to help the others. When I worked at Westwood College in Southern California, I worked with faculty and students in the editing classes to video tape and edit mock interviews. Definite win-win situation!

1. Make sure to follow the employers' guidelines closely if you are using a video resume.
2. Dress professionally in business attire, just as if you were going to an in-person job interview. This is not YouTube.
3. Keep your video resume short at no more than three minutes.
4. Look at the camera not at the desk or table below you. It may take several turns before you are satisfied with your video resume.
5. Don't speak too quickly. Speak clearly and ennunciate.
6. Practice what you're going to say ahead of time as you would for a job interview.
7. Be sure to state your name (first and last). Use your 30-second spot.
8. Focus on your professional endeavors, not your personal life.
9. Discuss your job skills and your value to the company.
10. Thank the viewer for considering you as a job seeker.
11. Make sure there isn't any background noise and that the background is not too busy or distracting.

Penn Foster Launches Online Medical Assistant Associate Program

Source - PennFoster.edu

Penn Foster College has recently launched its Medical Assistant Online Associate Degree Program!

With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting significant growth in the need for healthcare workers such as Medical Assistants, it made perfect sense that Penn Foster would add this option to their catalog. New job openings for Medical Assistants will grow 52% in the 10 year period between 2004 and 2014.

The Medical Assistant program at PennFoster will incorporate training about Law and Ethics in Medicine, Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology.

Graduates will be eligible for employment in:

Hospital
Nursing Home
Medical Group Practice
Home Health Agencies

Click here to learn more about enrollment.