{"id":3079,"date":"2024-02-07T21:48:16","date_gmt":"2024-02-07T21:48:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/?page_id=3079"},"modified":"2025-10-15T14:35:50","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T14:35:50","slug":"college-alternatives","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/college-alternatives\/","title":{"rendered":"University Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">College may not be the best option or the right choice for everyone. There are many alternatives to college for high school graduates including <strong>trade schools<\/strong>, apprenticeship programs, <strong>community college<\/strong>, <strong>certificates<\/strong>, and joining the military.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some local examples: <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftium.edu\/associates-program\/\">Associate of Applied Science Degree in Construction Technologies (Finishing Trades Institute Upper Midwest)<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; The Associate of Applied Science in Construction Technologies is available to FTIUM apprentices and graduates, combining trade-specific training in five different concentrations: Commercial Painter, Coating Application Specialist, 3-year Drywall Finisher, Glazier, and Glassworker. These courses enhance skills in math, science, humanities, and business communication, following a flexible three-semester cycle with fall and spring start options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nmu.edu\/tos\/autotech\">Automotive Services Technician (Northern Michigan University)<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; The NMU Automotive Technology program develops multi-disciplinary problem-solvers by combining mechanical engineering, electrical systems, and computer diagnostics with hands-on lab experience. Emphasizing critical thinking and real-world application, the program prepares students for diverse career opportunities beyond automotive service.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nmu.edu\/tos\/cosmetology\"><strong>Cosmetology (Northern Michigan University)<\/strong><\/a> &#8211; The cosmetology program at NMU teaches the artistic, scientific, and business aspects of the beauty industry. Students gain hands-on experience through classroom learning, lab work, and practice on mannequins and real clients in a campus salon while preparing for the Michigan State Board of Cosmetology licensing exam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nmu.edu\/tos\/linetech\">Electrical Line Technician (Northern Michigan University)<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; The Electrical Line Technician (ELT) program, offered in partnership between NMU and the Lake Superior Community Partnership, provides students with both classroom instruction at NMU\u2019s Jacobetti Complex and hands-on field training at the MSDC site in Gwinn, Michigan. The program covers electrical power transmission and distribution, safety procedures, equipment operation, and offers students the opportunity to earn a Commercial Driver\u2019s License (CDL A).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nmu.edu\/tos\/heating-ventilation-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-hvacr\">Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC\/R) (Nothern Michigan University)<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Students receive hands-on training at NMU in HVAC\/R installation, repair, and maintenance, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills to prepare for careers in residential, commercial, and energy-efficient industries. With expertise in electrical testing, sheet metal fabrication, and system design, graduates are highly employable and can specialize in various growing fields.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nmu.edu\/tos\/welding\">Welding Technology (Northern Michigan University)<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; The NMU welding program combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training to prepare students for successful careers in this high-demand field. Beyond job stability, welding is an art form that shapes the world, offering opportunities for creativity, precision, and lasting impact across various industries.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftium.edu\/become-an-apprentice\/\">Finishing Trades Institute Upper Midwest<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; FTIUM Apprenticeship Programs, registered with multiple state labor departments, require an average of three years of training, 432 related training hours, and at least 6,000 on-the-job hours. Participation requires IUPAT membership, providing lifelong union benefits and career support. Programs include: Commercial Painter, Coating Application Specialist, Drywall Finisher, Glazier, Glassworker, and Sign Technician.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nwtc.edu\/academics-and-training\/programs-and-degrees?AreaOfStudy=&amp;Location=&amp;Type=Apprenticeship&amp;DeliveryModes=Select+a+Delivery+Mode\">Northeast Wisconsin Technical College<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Search for apprenticeship options including Carpenter, Cement Mason, Electrical, Machinist, Millwright, Organic Vegetable Farm Manager, Plumber, and many more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/upmichiganworks.org\/training\/become-an-apprentice\/\">Upper Peninsula Michigan Works<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Each apprentice is supported by a UPMW case manager and a journey worker\/supervisor, ensuring they receive the guidance needed to succeed. Additional assistance is available for essentials like gas money, work attire, and tools.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You can enter the workforce <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--40)\">Some grads go straight to work- whether they\u2019re ready to earn, need a break from school, or want financial stability. Working now means steady pay, real-world experience, independence, and time to save while you plan your next step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/jobs.mitalent.org\/job-search\/\">Pure Michigan Talent Connect<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Search for jobs based on the education required, position level, characteristics, and location.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You can join the military <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Some graduates choose military service for paid training, education benefits, and steady pay. Each branch is different- compare roles and requirements on their official sites<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airforce.com\/\">Air Force<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; More than 200 careers available in science &amp; technology, healthcare, aviation &amp; flight, and maintenance &amp; repair.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.goarmy.com\/\">Army<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Career path, college path, medical path, and specialized path options.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/nationalguard.com\">Army National Guard<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Roles include admin &amp; relations, air defense, aviation, chaplain corps, cyber, engineer, ground forces, heavy weapons, mechanic &amp; maintenance, medical, munitions, special forces, supply &amp; logistics, transport, and more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gocoastguard.com\/\">Coast Guard<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Career options include enlisted, officer, reserve, and civilian.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.marines.com\/\">Marine Corps<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Roles include Military Occupational Specialty, Marine Corps Ranks, Musician Enlistment Option Program, and Marine Judge Advocates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.navy.com\/\">Navy<\/a><\/strong> &#8211; Careers in arts &amp; communications, aviation, business &amp; logistics, construction, electronics &amp; technology, first responder, industrial &amp; mechanical, intelligence &amp; information, medical, religious, science, engineering &amp; nuclear, and special operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>College may not be the best option or the right choice for everyone. There are many alternatives to college for<span class=\"more-dots\">&#8230;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-3079","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry","no-post-thumbnail"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":false,"thumbnail":false,"medium":false,"medium_large":false,"large":false,"1536x1536":false,"2048x2048":false,"post-thumbnail":false,"exs-square":false,"exs-square-half":false,"portfolio_item-thumbnail":false,"portfolio_item-thumbnail@2x":false,"portfolio_item-masonry":false,"portfolio_item-masonry@2x":false,"portfolio_item-thumbnail_cinema":false,"portfolio_item-thumbnail_portrait":false,"portfolio_item-thumbnail_portrait@2x":false,"portfolio_item-thumbnail_square":false},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Shelby Coleman","author_link":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/author\/shelby-c\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"College may not be the best option or the right choice for everyone. There are many alternatives to college for...","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"featured_media_urls":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3079"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4507,"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3079\/revisions\/4507"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/empowerupstudents.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}