How to Gain Skills

Do you have the skills and education that employers want? Not sure? The Explore Careers section can help you learn about employers.

One of the best ways to expand your skills is through education and training. Make sure that your education connects to occupations that fit your interests and skills.

There are five steps to help you get the right education:

Step 1: Pinpoint occupations that interest you.
Step 2: Look at your education options.
Step 3: Look at what the schools offer.
Step 4: Track your research on schools.
Step 5: Choose education options.

The exercises and resources provided will help you look at schools that fit your needs.

Step One: Pinpoint occupations that interest you.

One of the best ways to expand your skills is through education. Make sure that your education connects to occupations that fit your interests and skills.

Use the Rank Your Occupations (pdf) worksheet to list your desired occupations and the education needed. List the pros and cons of each. Rank them in order to help you decide.

Step Two: Look at your education options.

Here are education options for you to think about. You can ask at a library about local options. You can also talk about your options with a career coach.

Education Options	Description
Apprenticeship Programs	An apprenticeship program is a training plan based on a business’ needs. It helps potential employees learn the skills of an occupation or trade. Students learn the standard skills in a classroom. Also, they learn on the job and sometimes get paid. Sometimes they are supported by trade or labor groups. New York Apprenticeships
Online Learning	Online learning is a great option for many students. You can take one course. Or you can earn a certificate or a degree. For the right students, online learning makes it easier to go to school.
Adult Basic Education	Adult Basic Education classes are free. They help people who are 16 and older and who are not in school. Students can improve their basic skills such as reading, math, listening, and speaking. Some classes help prepare people for better jobs or for getting ready for more education.
U.S. Military	The military offers hundreds of jobs to help you get skills and meet your goals. Find out more about careers in the military and beyond.
Licenses	Licenses are the required knowledge and skills for some jobs. Licenses often vary by state. It is against the law to work in certain jobs without a license. These workers need to keep going to school to keep up their license. Interested students should ask if a school will prepare them for a license. Find out more about careers that you need a license for or where you can get a license.
Degrees	A degree is given by a college or university. It means that you completed a course of study. An associate’s degree usually lasts two years or less. A bachelor’s degree usually takes 4 or more years. You may need to take classes to get ready for college. Here is short-term training that lasts less than two years. Here is training that is more than two years.
Certifications	Certifications are tests that measure your work knowledge. Some employers like hiring people with these skills. Interested students should ask if their school will prepare them for certifications. Many certifications require a degree. Here is a list of certifications.

Step Three: Look at what the schools offer.

Do you need to go to school? Make a list of what you want from a school or program. Then, research schools and programs that fit your list. You can use your library to find your education options.

Schools tend to tell you about strengths and may hide their weaknesses. Only you can decide if a school is the right one to help you meet your career goals.

Use the tips listed below to see if you agree with the school's claims.

Read the materials from the school. Is it accredited? Do their courses match your goals?
Find out about the training. How long will it take? How much it will cost? What about tuition, fees, supplies, and books? Are there evening courses? How well does it prepare you for occupations that interest you?
Find out about the school’s equipment. Is it current? Is it similar to what you will use in the workplace?
Ask about services for students. Do you need help with finances, daycare, tutors, computer skills or other things?
Ask about “must haves” to enroll. Are there tests you need to pass? Do you need a GED or high school diploma? What else do students need to get enrolled?
Ask about credit options. Can you transfer your credits from other schools? Can you get credit for prior learning?

Step Four: Track your research of schools.

In order to make good decisions about school, research your options. You can look online or call the school directly. Think about what you will get out of any program before you enroll in it.

Use the School Research Worksheet (pdf) to keep track of the type of training and any services each school offers students. If you are looking at more than one occupation, make a new worksheet for each one.

You can also keep track of your research of schools in CareerZone or JobZone. Follow the steps below:
If you are using CareerZone:

Log into your CareerZone Portfolio Account.
Select Module 15 “Colleges”.
Then you can search by College Major or College Name .
A list of colleges will appear based on your search.
Then click on the colleges you would like to research. You will be directed to information on the college (for example, cost of attending, if financial aid is available and much more information).
Select the box next to the colleges you are interested in. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Save Selected Colleges to Portfolio.”

If you are using JobZone:

Log into your JobZone Portfolio Account.
Under the “Career Exploration” section select “Colleges”.
Then you can search by College Major or College Name.
A list of colleges will appear based on your search.
Then click on the colleges you would like to research. You will be directed to information on the college (for example, cost of attending, if financial aid is available and much more information).
Select the box next to the colleges you are interested in. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Save Selected Colleges to Portfolio.”

*REMEMBER-These colleges in CareerZone and JobZone are only colleges in New York State.

Step Five: Choose Education Options.
You've found several options that fit your goals. How do you choose? Use the results of your School Research (pdf) and Weigh Your Options (pdf) to help you make decisions. Talk over your decisions with people who are supportive of you.

How to Gain Skills

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