Which is best, a vocational-technical school or a 4-year degree?

2017-12-25T05:26:20-05:00

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Dec 25 at 2017 5:33 AM

2017-12-25T05:33:23-05:00

I see so much about getting a 4 year degree which is great, but is it always the right thing?
When I got out of high school back in the '70s there were lots of college grads flipping burgers, I knew I didn't want that plus I didn't want the big expense of getting a degree. So I attended a Vo-Tech (mechanics) got out and got a job immediately and never looked back. I am not saying this is for everyone, but there are so many jobs out there for people who want to work and many of the military careers will cross over to these jobs as well. I know a kid who did the Air Force thing, got trained in electronics. After his hitch was done he got out and landed a fantastic civilian job, no college degree. He now over sees a large section of the company he works for. So many other jobs and options are out there which don't require a person to go up to their ears in debt. Also many blue collar jobs you get cross trained in other skills as well. Just something for you all to think about or look at.
My own life has been a great success. As a mechanic I cross trained as a welder, got a license to drive truck, worked on both gas and diesel engines. For the past 24 yrs have been working as a farrier shoeing horses. So many skills out there.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Dec 25 at 2017 5:34 AM

2017-12-25T05:34:28-05:00

I really think that with a question like this you have to examine what the individual's goals are. As far as finding a job or career that will pay the bills and allow you to live comfortably, both are more than capable of providing that opportunity. What makes you happy? What fulfills you? What are you going to be okay with doing? I do think that there has been a pish in recent years towards traditional four year degrees and I think that it has definitely screwed over a lot of people. There are people that justg are not cut out for four year college degrees. That isn't to say that they a stupid, there are numerous factors that just don't jive with them being successful that route. On that same token, many people just aren't fulfilled by doing the kinds of things allowed by a technical degree. I have friends that make more money than I will probably ever make and they have a few technical certs and thats it and they are happy. I'm going to school to be a school teacher, I will never make millions doing it but it makes me happy. Just have to figure out what sounds best for that person and what they are looking for out of life.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 8:07 AM

2017-12-25T08:07:48-05:00

That's a personal decision that Only YOU can make...

Response by SGT Russell Wickham made Dec 25 at 2017 8:17 AM

2017-12-25T08:17:17-05:00

The education establishment would have you believe you can only be successful if you have a four year degree. Many people who would be far better suited pursuing a Vo-Tech career option instead go deeply in debt to get a four year degree they can't use. I went the Vo-Tech route, jumped around to a couple jobs with a bad attitude, got out and laid stone for a couple years, and then joined the Infantry. I couldn't go back into stone masonry after getting out because of a combat related injury that made it tough to climb ladders, so I dusted off my tool box and started turning wrenches again. The change in attitude because fixing cars was way better than getting shot at and blown up has lead to a productive and enjoyable career, and a fairly lucrative middle class one at that, until I took a pay cut to get into team building and management again.

I'm with Mike Rowe on this one. Find what you are good at, and be passionate about it. You don't have to have a four year degree to be successful. I also agree with SGT Joseph Gunderson's assessment.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 8:53 AM

2017-12-25T08:53:33-05:00

You are comparing two very different things. A 4 year degree can be a great tool to help you land a certain job/career. Same goes for a vocational degree, it can lead a person from an assistant mechanic to business owner. Is all about the person, goals, and what is he/she looking to achieve.

Response by Maj John Bell made Dec 25 at 2017 9:25 AM

2017-12-25T09:25:42-05:00

I have always preferred to work with my hands, and do so now.

I always did well in school and enjoyed it. I got a degree, because it was a requirement to get a commission, not because it was a field in which I intended to ever seek employment (Naval Architecture). And I don't rgret getting the degree. The degree served an end - the commission; and engineering has served me well when working with my hands.

But ultimately it all depends on what you want to do, or achieve.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 11:02 AM

2017-12-25T11:02:05-05:00

This question can only be answered after one determines what one wants to be after schooling.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 12:07 PM

2017-12-25T12:07:29-05:00

4 year degrees are over rated unless you are going into a specific field like engineering or nursing. Kinda the same idea as tech school.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 25 at 2017 12:46 PM

2017-12-25T12:46:07-05:00

What is your plan? Degree's are nice but remember- college grads are still going to pay a plumber $21/hr, and garages still charge you $90-150/hr for someone to fix your car.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 12:56 PM

2017-12-25T12:56:56-05:00

SGM Mikel Dawson There is no one answer fits all. You obtain the education/training that you need for the career that you want. The career field that I wanted required a degree, so I obtained a degree. Doing what makes you happy and provides satisfaction should be a primary goal when thinking of a career, along with making enough money to pay the bills.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 2:41 PM

2017-12-25T14:41:51-05:00

It's totally dependent on the individual person and their goals. Not only are people pushed into college by parents, guidance counselors, etc., but there also countless jobs out there that require a college degree even though one really isn't necessary. During my break in service when I was looking for jobs I ran across a position as a used car salesman that wanted a degree. Positions that once required a high school diploma now require a Bachelor's degree and job that once required a Bachelor's degree now require a Master's degree. People are leaving school with student loan debt that is higher than some mortgages in order to get a job that probably don't even really need a degree. When my kids get to that age I'm going to strongly encourage them to look at all possibilities, including trade school.

Response by 1LT Peter Duston made Dec 25 at 2017 4:23 PM

2017-12-25T16:23:31-05:00

I am a college counselor and have been a Dean of a Technical College and a university administrator. So it depends on your career goal. You want to be a well paid plumber, vocational school, you want to be a serious plumbing contractor, two years of technical college studying plumbing, transfer to a state college with a major in business...

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 4:29 PM

2017-12-25T16:29:46-05:00

I think it depends on the person, College isn't for a lot of people and maybe a trade would be better. I think we need to reevaluate what's better for society. Personally, College seems like kind of a scam. You go in to study , let's say engineering but end up studying history, art, etc etc as half your courses and the other half is related to engineering. A trade school would focus on just the trade.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 25 at 2017 6:54 PM

2017-12-25T18:54:41-05:00

Depends on what your career is. In general, I think college education is very over-priced.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Dec 25 at 2017 8:31 PM

2017-12-25T20:31:16-05:00

It really depends on what you want to do. I eventually became a teacher, so a four-year degree was what was needed. However, if you want to be a mechanic, then tech school is the best.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 27 at 2017 3:22 PM

2017-12-27T15:22:44-05:00

I would say first it would depend on what are your interest and talents, and what is the demand in your area, around my area, good maintenance people, with industrial experience can command top dollar, followed by HVAC and Electricians.

Response by Cpl Justin Goolsby made Dec 27 at 2017 4:15 PM

2017-12-27T16:15:12-05:00

Depends... each one is just a piece of paper, it all depends on what that piece of paper is in and what you plan on doing with it that determine it's value. I can have a trade certificate in auto repair, but that's worthless to me if I'm trying to be a project manager.

Personally I believe the vocational technical schools are the best because you can at least learn a trade.