The Trouble With Training… Caveat emptor

Caveat emptor or let the buyer beware.

Be careful choosing career training. Remember schools, even state schools are in the business of selling training. Sometimes the training offered or pushed in some cases is not what the employers in your area or needing. Some schools sell training programs using national statistics that are not relevant in your local community. Remember there are “lies, damn lies, and statistics”. A statistical change from 10 job openings to 20 job openings would represent a 100% increase. But 10 new jobs statewide are not very many.
Some schools offer training that employers will not want or need. Sometimes the training is in demand nationally and not in your local area which means you may need to relocate to utilize it.

In some cases, employers offer the training free and with employment. Pharmacy tech and nursing aides are both offered by some employers. Blood donation collectors in some cases offer phlebotomy training.

Always check with employers and work your way back to training providers. Remember if the skill or training attained is not in demand by employers you have wasted time and resources.

Any kind of training offered by employers is usually in demand and will be needed by other employers. As a rule, employers generally do not waste money on useless training.

Balance what the school says about training with how much actually employers value the training. Remember, “Caveat emptor or let the buyer beware” and research and choose the appropriate training to further your career.

Links to training

Low or No Cost Career Training

Being laid off is a good time to consider retooling your skills. There are programs that might pay all or some of your training costs. WIA (Workforce Investment Act) is one such program. To check for eligibility contact your local employment or career center.

Sometimes employers provide training. Hospitals and nursing homes are some of the employers that might provide training. For example some pharmacy provide training as pharmacy techs and nursing homes train certified nursing assistants

For a list of WIA eligible training providers in Alabama go here.
http://www2.dir.state.al.us/alcrs/
or Nationally
http://www.careeronestop.org/WiaProviderSearch.asp

Pell Grants are another source of funds for training.
Grants are not loans and are a great source of funds.
Federal Student Aid (grants and loans)
http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence (help with filling out grant and loan applications) http://www.nacee.net/

Apprenticeships allow you to work while you learn a trade.
For more information on apprenticeships try these links:
Career Voyages
http://www.careervoyages.gov/apprenticeship-main.cfm
U.S. Department of Labor
http://www.doleta.gov/OA/