Iowa Department of Education

Students have many choices as they plan for their life after high school. Options to consider include 2- and 4-year colleges, the military, employment, a nontraditional job, an apprenticeship, and on-the-job training.

• Two-year colleges, called community colleges in Iowa, are public schools open to anyone who applies and offer a variety of courses and programs. Students who complete their community college studies will earn an associates degree, prepared for a high-skilled job or for transfer to a four-year college or university. Community colleges also offer certification programs for a variety of careers, as well as specific job-training courses. Iowa has 15 community colleges with campuses in every county. Find one near you.

• Four-year colleges and universities have specific entrance requirements for applicants. Students can choose between a public college, called Regents institutions, or a private college , and select from a variety of courses that will help them earn a bachelor's degree. In addition to the bachelor's degree, university systems offer postgraduate masters, academic doctorates and professional degrees, such as doctors of medicine and law.

Employment: While the job market remains strong in Iowa and nationwide, just 10% of jobs will take employees with just a high school diploma without additional education. Today, 70% of jobs are considered high-skilled, requiring some schooling beyond high school, and 20% of jobs require at least a bachelor's degree. Find information about available jobs and average salaries.

Nontraditional Jobs: Students are encouraged to seek a nontraditional job -- one that is tradtionally a male job, such as auto mechanics, or a female job, such as nursing. Many employers recognize the advantages of a diverse workforce and are making a stronger effort to recruit nontraditional employees by providing high wages, good benefits, and opportunities for advancement.

Military Training: A way for students to serve the country, develop great work habits, receive job-related education and save for college.

Apprenticeships: Apprenticeships are job training programs sponsored by employers, labor unions or other organizations. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have their high school diplomas or GEDs. In addition, some programs require specific coursework, the physical ability to work in the trade and a passing aptitude test score. As with college, applicants must complete applications and provide school transcripts and letters of recommendation. Each year there are many apprenticeship openings but not all apprenticeships are available each year.

On-the-Job Training: On-the-job training allows students to learn as they work. Their employers may:

• Provide extended training if a job changes or a worker is promoted and needs to learn new tasks.
• Offer courses at the workplace that cover subjects the employer feels are most relevant to specific tasks.
• Pay total or partial tuition for employees to take special night or weekend classes.

All students need education or training after high school and most, if not all, will go through some on-the-job training as they begin their careers. On-the-job training also is helpful to people already in a career who want to update their skills or learn new tasks.