As your teen is approaching high school graduation, they may feel overwhelmed and stressed out while figuring out their post-high school plans. They may feel pressured to immediately go to college, or they may find themselves wanting to stay home and work. Now is the time to discuss the many options your teen has after they graduate from high school, and here are a few options they have to choose from.
Pursue a College Education
One of the more obvious paths to take after finishing high school is going to college. In 2019, the college enrollment for both men and women post-high school was over 60%. Perhaps your teen is interested in engineering or science and is intrigued by new scientific innovation and technology, such as 3D printers. One of the more impressive uses for LulzBot 3D Printers involved the creation of 3D printed bridges, fit together in segments, with no adhesive material. In fact, the bridge that held the most weight, roughly 250 pounds, currently holds the record. Interesting facts like this may draw your teen’s attention. If so, perhaps going to college and earning a degree in engineering or chemistry would allow them to pursue a passion and a career in either of these fields.
If your teen is interested in becoming a teacher, a pharmacist, a registered nurse, a lawyer, or another type of professional, a college education is necessary. However, going to college does have to be done in one way. Your teen has many choices, such as living at school and going full time or living at home and going part-time. Being aware of the financial obligations of earning a college degree is important, so going to college is not a decision that should be made lightly.
Start a Career in Law Enforcement
Has your teen expressed interest in human services or law enforcement? These are two ever-growing fields of work. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the third leading cause of death in Colorado is accidents. If your teen lives by the rules and would enjoy a career enforcing laws and rules in order to keep people safe, then perhaps becoming a police officer or security personnel should be considered as potential career paths. Here are tips on how to become a police officer nsw.
If a career in law enforcement is what your teen would like to pursue, they can apply to join the police academy, which trains potential candidates for the job. They can also browse your city’s human services department for open positions that involve law enforcement.
Learn a Trade
Another career choice post-high school is learning a trade. Becoming an HVAC technician, a plumber, an electrician, a home inspector, or a welder are a few options that can earn your teen quite a bit of money as their career grows. Not only this, but these fields will always need new workers. In these fields, your teen could work for the government, a union, a corporation, a small business, or for themselves. Visit Only Trade Schools to know which trade suits you well.
If becoming skilled in a trade is something of interest to your teen, consider looking into vocational schools. These schools provide technical skills and hands-on training in a chosen trade. After schooling, your teen would pursue an apprenticeship to be further trained in their trade. Compared to college, going to a trade school is far less expensive. Your young adult would also be able to start working much earlier, allowing them to begin earning a living by age 20. As technology continues to advance, too, trades will continue to offer more job opportunities for young adults.
Gain Life Experience By Volunteering
An option many teens don’t think to pursue after high school is volunteering. Not only does volunteering give young adults valuable life experience, but it also provides an opportunity to explore their interests and learn about what they should value most.
Volunteering can take many shapes and forms. It can be as simple as volunteering a few days a week at a hospital, nursing home, jail, or elementary school. Volunteering can also go a step further by joining a community of volunteers across the world. The National Disaster Medical System and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) deployed hundreds of volunteers and intermittent employees to natural disasters throughout the 10 HHS regions across the country in 2018. With so many people needing help across the world, becoming a part of bigger communities of volunteers, such as the Medical Reserve Corps or the Peace Corps, is an incredible opportunity that will change your teen’s life.
Remind your teen that they are not alone in the process of figuring out what to do post-high school graduation. One path is not meant for everyone. Consider these options and what your teen’s interests are. You may be surprised that your teen’s passion may align with a path you didn’t expect they’d pursue. Be supportive and allow your teen to see the many options they have.
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