Technology is the field everyone is talking about as "the one" to move into if you want career growth, higher salaries, and entry without a four year degree. But what IS tech? What kinds of careers are available? Oh my goodness, it is NOT just computer programming or being the "IT Guy", though those are also included. Waste water treatment, hydraulic technology, mining and petroleum, desktop publishing, surveying, and so many more careers fall in this category! Enjoy looking through our links to see what is available!
NOTE: We do not list the traditional local Vocational and Trade Schools as that information is easily available. There are thousands of Trade and Tech schools and we could never list them all here! We share schools that specialize, or offer unusual courses that lead to less traditional careers. We hope you gain new ideas here and that this expands your thinking!
Beyourownit.com
Another tech oriented web site that offers training for building your own computer, for repairing desk tops, and repairing laptops. The various courses come with online streaming video classes, study guides, a diagnostics CD, and even a "start your own repair business" guide! This could easily lead to a career in computer repair at a lower level than the link above at ITPROTV.COM, which offers much more in depth training which may be more than some learners wish to tackle, but who still want a career working with their hands and enjoy computers.
C.C. Sustainability
Become certified in Sustainability and Alternative Energy Sources.
Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences
Offering training in recording, sound engineering, and production. A growing field as video game sound production blossoms, and internet sources increase, this is an interesting career option.
Ecotech Institute
A trade school for learning about renewable energy technologies! Earn a diploma in Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Power Utilities, and Electronics Technology. A growing need in these unique fields and an increase in alternative energy usage throughout the US means top dollar paid for those trained in these technologies! Excellent hands on training and real world problem solving enhances this educational opportunity.
Full Sail University
Degree programs for the world of entertainment, media, arts, and technology. Full Sail's approach is based on real-world industry experience and creative problem solving.
IFIXIT.com
This is not a school or a curriculum, but if you have a student who is considering service and repair of phones and tablets for a career, this is THE web site that teaches all you need to know. With an active community, specific tool sets available for purchase for various repairs, and manuals for just about everything, this would be where your son or daughter could pick up the skills by practicing screen replacement, etc. to develop their own repair business. Most pros use this site, and in fact, there is even an IFIXIT pro community separate from the standard web site! There are even tear down videos to show step by step how to take apart and repair various devices. This may seem like an odd choice to put in our links, but I think once you check it out you'll understand what a valuable resource this could be for many young people!
ITPROTV.COM
This is an AMAZING online training "center"...think the now defunct "ITT Tech" without being ripped off! Haha! This is truly computer tech school without the enormous and unnecessary costs. Because this is real certification training it isn't free, but we feel the cost is fully justified and well worth it. Your annual subscription covers in depth video training for certification tests for COMP-TAI, Microsoft, Cisco, Apple, and more covering everything from cyber security to networking to repair. There is also a virtual lab component to take the learning to a new level, access to Q&A sessions, an active community forum to learn from others, and honestly, just about everything you need to launch a career in the tech arena. Our son who just graduated high school has been enrolled for about 6 months, and through study with this site alone has already become a certified computer technician who could step out into the world and earn $35,000+ a year as noted here: Pay Scale. The video courses left him well prepared to pass the intensive testing, and he will be spending a couple more years learning solely from this web site and projects he develops to become proficient in the computer field. There are two levels of subscription, one is $570 a year for access to all courses and as many hours as you want, or $857 a year for a few more bells and whistles. If you are interested, they also have a handful of free beginner courses to explore and if you complete one of them, you just might receive a significant discount offer for an annual subscription (hint, hint). This is a Tried and True resource that is top notch!!!
Khan Academy - Pixar in a Box
Learn computer animation and storytelling.
Murray Technical Training
Want to learn AutoCAD from a true expert and homeschooling Dad? This is an AMAZING teacher who has a true passion for teaching drafting, is currently teaching in a high school classroom as well as teaching distance courses in drafting for a community college in Florida. As a homeschooling Dad himself, he knows how we all think, and there is a mastery perspective rather than a "rush and get it done" focus. Our son has taken two classes with Mr. Murray, and having spoken directly to him it takes only five minutes to hear the excitement in his voice about AutoCAD, drafting, and teaching. He has a well set up system for teaching at a distance, and his courses will come at a fraction of the cost of Trade and Technical colleges, though for some families his courses might seem a little high at $396 for an 18 module Mechanical Drafting AutoCad course, and $198 for additional 9 module courses in Architectural Drafting and 3D Modeling. However, compare them to your local Trade School and you will find you will save hundreds...if not thousands. One on one attention, with easy access to a responsive teacher make this a great value for those who might want to explore the world of AutoCAD and drafting.
Online Graphic Design
An online program for certificates in graphic design, web design, fine arts, and digital photography.
Sessions
An online program for certificates in graphic design, web design, fine arts, and digital photography.
Springboard.com
Training and mentoring by pros in the field, learn online and complete with a certificate to prove learning in data science, UX design, and business analytics. 3 - 6 months and you are resume ready!
University of Advancing Technology
This is the real deal...serious computer technology and sciences education. Study Open Source Technologies, Gaming and Artificial Environments, Robotics and Embedded Systems, and much more. If you want post-high school training in deeply immersive technology environments, this is a must to check out.
Woz U
Founded by the famous Steve Wozniak of Apple Computer fame, this is a short term coding and tech education online to get people to work quickly. Offering career assistance as well as coding and programming training, this is a 33 week, 20 hours per week program that comes with a certificate of completion in Software Development upon "graduating". This is not free, and as of this writing is over $10,000, but it is intense training from what is one of the biggest names in the industry.