College Cost Savings Through Industry Certifications

Getting started on a career can be very challenging for high school students--whether you are going straight into the workforce or to a postsecondary institution.  Picture this, you go into a potential employer and you are excited about applying for the job, and you know you have the qualifications for the position; however, the potential employers says you are a great candidate, but you lack experience. How can you get that experience if you cannot even get in the door?

One way to beat the “lack of experience” challenge lies in gaining an industry certification while still in high school. Walking into a job interview with proof of certification in one’s pocket immediately puts a job applicant one step above non-certified candidates.

That little piece of paper validates that you have demonstrated mastery of the most up-to-date skills in a career field that may be rapidly changing. A valid certification truly is “industry standard.”  It is a mechanism that demonstrates your mastery of knowledge and skills which can increase job prospects, marketability to employers, and employability, as well as options for postsecondary education.

Pursuing and achieving an industry certification allows high school students to acquire and practice some of the most critical college and career-readiness skills, such as critical thinking, focusing, and the ability to prioritize. Most certification tests occur in high-stress, timed environments: radically different from the typical high school test. Preparing and sitting for a certification examination is a reality check for a young person’s career aspirations. 

Not only are our students demonstrating their industry standard experience through the industry certification, they are also putting money in their pocket at no cost to them or their parents!  Many of the industry certifications offered in the CTE programs in the Okaloosa County School District articulate for college credit, which is a cost savings.  Take a look at the college cost savings through industry certifications.

The overwhelming majority of jobs in the future will require some education after high school, but most jobs will not require a four-year college degree. Half of the top jobs will require a career and technical certificate, while 40% will require a college degree (Associates, Bachelors or Graduate).  Be prepared for what is ahead!  Take a CTE class and earn an industry certification.

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