Vocational Training In Schools

Vocational education on both a secondary and post-secondary level should be highly valued, well funded, and effectively implemented. The first steps can and should be taken on a local level. Career-Technical Education (CTE) is available at every public high school in the state of Ohio. If you're a current high school student, find out more about the CTE your school district offers. High School Graduates & Adult Learners It usually takes between 3 months to 18 months to complete a career technical education program.

By Crystal Lee
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Michigan trade schools offer exciting ways to begin learning skills that can help you thrive and move up in the workforce. A diverse range of educational options is available. Whatever program you choose, you can give yourself the chance to start getting ahead in today's dynamic job market.

Education & Training in Michigan

Michigan trade schools and colleges provide many different vocational training programs, all designed to help you gain special expertise. They can help you start a new career or get more opportunities in your current one.

Key Benefits of the Region for College Students

1. Easy access to internship opportunities: Pure Michigan Talent Connect offers a centralized list of links to internship programs throughout the state.
2. Potential for more face time with instructors: At public and for-profit schools in Michigan, there are fewer students per faculty member than the respective national averages.
3. Proximity to major employers: Michigan is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any of its neighboring states.

Education Costs in Michigan

Many factors can affect your education cost, including what type of school you enroll in, what you study, and where you live. Below are some average costs, according to National Center for Education Statistics data from 2017-2018.

Average undergraduate tuition and fees at four-year degree-granting schools in Michigan:

• Public schools: $12,435 (in-state); $37,600 (out-of-state)
• Private schools: $26,964

Tuition and fees are often less at two-year institutions.

Average on-campus room and board:

• Public schools: $10,230
• Private schools: $9,700

Trade School Accreditation

Accreditation is a mark of approval from an independent agency that has evaluated the school and determined that it meets or exceeds the agency's quality standards. A school must be accredited by a regional or national agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for students at that school to be eligible for federal financial aid.

Many Michigan post-secondary institutions are regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Others receive national accreditation through agencies like the Accrediting Council for Career Schools and Colleges or the Council on Occupational Education.

All post-secondary schools must also be licensed to operate in Michigan.

Financial Aid for Michigan Students

Every year, the state awards more than $140 million in financial aid to Michigan students.

Assistance is available in the form of grants and scholarships. For instance, the Michigan Tuition Grant provides up to $2,800 in need-based aid to students who enroll in non-profit independent colleges that grant degrees.

Completing the FAFSA is the first step in being considered for both federal and state aid. It's important to fill out the form each year.

FAQs About Being a Student in Michigan

What's the cost of living like in Michigan?

Overall, the state's cost of living is well below the national average. In Michigan, a studio apartment rents for $674 a month, on a median basis. And a one-bedroom apartment goes for $713.

How's the transportation situation?

Michigan has more than six dozen public transit providers that help millions of people reach their destinations. Plus, the average commute time is shorter than the U.S. average.

What fun things are there to do outside of school?

College football is big, and Michigan is also home to four pro sports franchises. Water sports are also a popular activity. Many of Michigan's colleges, universities, and trade schools are within easy reach of a lake or stream. Plus, the state features 650 public golf courses and over 1,900 miles of mountain bike trails. And students can enjoy a wide range of craft breweries, restaurants, museums, and cultural centers.

Featured Schools

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Northwestern Technological Institute

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• Dearborn
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• Cosmetology
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• Electrical Technician
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Industry Information

Michigan has a wide range of established and emerging industries that generate opportunities for many types of workers. Some of the most promising sectors include information technology, health care, engineering, and skilled trades.

Fastest-Growing Industries

A variety of sectors are on the rise. Data from the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget (DTMB) indicates that the following industries should see the highest rates of job growth between 2016 and 2026:

Educational support services (32.6%): The state is experiencing a growing need for workers who support the educational system without providing direct instruction. Guidance counselors, educational consultants, and exchange program administrators could find their skills in great demand.

Ambulatory health care services (30.7%): Job openings should continue to multiply for health care professionals who provide outpatient services in settings like doctor's offices, dental clinics, medical labs, and private homes.

Transit and ground passenger transport (30.6%): Getting people from point A to point B is a growth industry in the state. So there is an increasing need for skilled workers who operate or maintain taxis, buses, and light rail systems.

Social assistance (25.8%): Providing direct assistance to individuals in need is expected to yield many career opportunities in Michigan. This category includes childcare workers, social workers, and others who provide community services.

Management and technical consulting services (22.8%): This sector encompasses a wide range of professionals who advise businesses in areas like marketing, budgeting, organizational planning, and human resources management.

Careers Related to the Industries Above
Average Annual Wages

• Marketing specialists
• Guidance counselors
• Child, family, & school social workers
• Diesel engine specialists

Other Key Industries

Several other notable industries are driving economic growth in the state. According to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), some examples include:

Manufacturing: Michigan has one of the largest advanced manufacturing workforces in the country. According to MEDC, over 66,000 workers produce everything from cars and trucks to medical devices and aerospace components. Those with the skills to support this process will likely be in high demand.

Information technology: According to a CompTIA report, Michigan's tech sector added 10,963 jobs between 2018 and 2019 alone. Software developers, cybersecurity professionals, and computer support specialists should see continuing demand for their services.

Engineering research and development: Michigan already has the highest concentration of engineering professionals in the nation, according to MEDC. And as manufacturers place more emphasis on developing things like self-driving cars, there will be a greater need for workers with relevant expertise.

Corporate and professional services: MEDC says that this broad sector employs more than 186,000 people throughout Michigan. And as more and more companies set up their headquarters in the state, opportunities for accountants, management consultants, and marketing specialists should continue to emerge.

Careers Related to the Industries Above
Average Annual Wages

• Software developers
• Mechanical drafters
• Industrial engineering technicians
• Machinists

Career Information

In Michigan, some of the best employment outlooks belong to jobs in the health care and technology realms. But a lot of high-paying opportunities can also be found in career sectors like business and engineering.

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Key Industries

Advanced manufacturing, information technology, corporate and professional services, engineering research and development, agribusiness, life sciences

• Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
• U.S. Census Bureau
• Michigan Economic Development Corporation

Fastest-Growing Careers

DTMB projections show that between 2016 and 2026, the fastest rate of employment growth should occur in the following occupations. Average yearly wages are based on 2019 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the state of Michigan.

Home health aides (44%): Go to the homes of injured or disabled people to provide basic medical services like checking temperature, changing bandages, or giving medications. Home health aides also do many of the same tasks as personal care aides, including assisting with dressing, housecleaning, and shopping.

• Average yearly wage: $25,660

Physician assistants (37.7%): Take a primary role in health care by diagnosing and treating illnesses, writing prescriptions, and assisting in surgeries. You'll need to earn a master's degree and pass an exam to become licensed.

• Average yearly wage: $110,510

Personal care aides (36.6%): Help people with everyday activities like bathing, vacuuming, cooking, washing dishes, and doing laundry. You might also shop for your clients or drive them to medical appointments. Unlike home health aides, personal care aides generally do not carry out any health-related tasks.

• Average yearly wage: $25,660

Dental laboratory technicians (35.8%): Use molds to create dental appliances like dentures, crowns, implants, and bridges. Most technicians develop their skills through on-the-job training.

• Average yearly wage: $45,490

Information security analysts (34.7%): Develop measures to keep computer data and systems safe from unauthorized users. A bachelor's degree in computer science is typically required.

• Average yearly wage: $91,750

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Good-Paying Careers With the Most Yearly Job Openings

Several other career fields provide thousands of job openings every year in Michigan and come with higher wages than the state average. Below are a few examples, based on employment projections for 2016 to 2026 from DTMB and 2019 wage data from the BLS.

Registered nurses (6,650 yearly openings): Provide hands-on patient care in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, schools, or other settings. You'll need to complete a registered nursing program and acquire a state license.

• Average yearly wage: $73,200

General and operations managers (5,760 yearly openings): Keep a business or other organization running by overseeing employees and coordinating departmental activities. Most positions require a bachelor's degree and several years of related work experience.

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• Average yearly wage: $118,440

Accountants and auditors (3,520 yearly openings): Keep tabs on an organization's cash flow, revenues, and overall financial health, and make sure everything is documented according to government policies and regulations. You'll likely need a bachelor's degree in business administration or accounting.

• Average yearly wage: $75,170

Mechanical engineers (3,160 yearly openings): Design, construct, and test a huge variety of mechanical devices and components, from engines and turbines to ventilation systems and industrial robots. A bachelor's degree is the usual requirement.

• Average yearly wage: $92,850

Elementary school teachers (2,840 yearly openings): Guide the academic and social development of Michigan students. A bachelor's degree and a state teaching license are required to work in public schools.

• Average yearly wage: $69,050

Focused Training for a New Beginning

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Post-secondary training can help you prepare for many of this state's best opportunities. By exploring the career-driven programs at Michigan trade schools, you can get one step closer to a more fulfilling future.