One alternative to college

If you don't think college is for you, you might consider apprenticeships in the Trades. The Trades include fields like auto mechanics, HVAC(heating, ventilation and air-conditioning),plumbing, electrical, and construction. Many people go through the typically five year process to becoming a journeyman (sic) by working with the unions affiliated with that particular field. The journeyman title indicates competency and licensure in the field. Often, you are paid at half the journeyman rate of pay while you are studying. Your wage increases as you have more experience. These jobs generally pay a living wage and attract people who prefer to work with their hands and who are great problems-solvers. It's difficult to get into a journeyman position immediately out of high school. Programs are looking for students with a great work ethic and some work experience to prove it. They also like to see that you have done some work activities that demonstrate that you have some aptitude for and enjoyment of the work involved. Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity. Start your own neighborhood landscaping business. Get a job anywhere and ask to help in tasks like re-arranging shelving, or assisting an electrician or carpenter. For some of these programs, the application procedure is just as challenging as the college application process. It is worth taking your time to make sure you have taken care of all the needed details, and have had someone review your work. You need to know how to communicate well in writing and speaking in virtually all fields.

In the Portland area, Portland, Mt. Hood and Clackamas Community Colleges have some classes that also help prepare students to enter these fields. Check out Career Pathways. Oregon Tradeswomen has been supporting women in entering these non-traditional fields for more than twenty years. Check out the Oregon Apprenticeship website.