According to Forbes Magazine, people choosing to acquire some form of higher education, even a minimal amount, may increase their earning potential after graduating with a high school diploma. Not everyone has the time, money or even the desire to obtain a four-year degree. Some may not even able to complete a two-year degree. Whether they are unable to because of time constraints, family obligations or financial reasons, entering the workforce without higher education is a reality for many.

Lacking higher education is not always a negative. In fact, many are finding they can do very well by creating a different, more unique path, towards a career.

Some high school graduates prefer to enter the workforce first, working towards their career goals, without the use of a college diploma.

Some may have been in the workforce for many years yet aren’t satisfied. You are thinking of changing careers but do not have the time to attend college courses for lengthy periods. You may not even be sure which direction you want to take your career.

Fast track training can help in a variety of scenarios. 

Fast track training is one way to get you into a career with some college education but without the need to complete an entire degree program. It can also help you avoid jumping from one career to another without having a clear direction.

What is Fast Track Training?

Fast track training gets you working in a field as soon as possible with little education and experience. It is an effective stepping stone to helping you reach career goals that are non-traditional. Meaning, you are not attending a higher education institution to receive a degree, but to receive a solid foundation that will help you enter or move upward in the workforce.

Some areas benefiting from fast track training include Information Technologies, or Computer Systems and Software. Other areas include pharmaceutical technologies, surgical technology, medical and vocational assisting, and even heating, ventilation and cooling.

Fast track training usually takes less than a year and gives your career goals that extra boost needed to help you achieve advancement.

Keep reading to learn some of the benefits of fast track training.

Gives You More Time to Decide on a Career

Not everyone knows the area of work they want to do for the rest of their lives at eighteen years old. High school does not set you up to decide on an exact career. Many students can gain work experience while in school, but not enough to help them determine a career path.

Getting as much experience as possible before investing in a college degree program can be beneficial by saving people time and money.

While some careers require a college degree, others require a master’s degree or higher.

Fortunately, there are many careers that only require a certificate before they can hire or promote you. Therefore, you can start working, then decide later if and how you want to continue your career journey.

While deciding, you are gaining real world experience, which can be very valuable in itself.

Gives You Real Experience by Working with Professionals

You need role models in your career. Fast track training gets you working with career role models faster than if you go through a longer degree program.

While a certificate is not the same as a degree, it can sometimes be a better fit for you lifestyle.

Fast track training allows you to jump right into work, learning through on-the-job training, getting the hands-on experience others may not get if they focus only on education before work.

You get the benefit of working with other professionals in the industry.

Having certificates through fast track training is getting people recognized by employers and enhancing job applications and resumes.

Enhances Your Resume

Fast track programs can sometimes give you an edge over other job applicants. When an employer must choose between two great candidates, having completed a fast track program may give you an edge.

While short term in length, fast track training can provide you with up to date instruction in specific areas within your field. Employers will take notice that you are current with trends and changes happening in the workforce.

On your resume, you can list the many specific courses you have taken related to the job in which you are seeking. This lets employers know you are already prepared for the job. It lets them know that orientation and training may require a lot less effort if they hire you.

Employers want to hire the person who is most capable of completing the requirements of the job. A fast track training program increases the number of tasks you can do well.

Furthermore, fast track training  shows your employer you like to learn, that you are eager to grow and adapt to the needs of the company or organization.

Connected with Fastest Growing Industries

Fast track training programs are not focused on random types of courses. Most programs are built around the industries with the fastest growth and most need for a varied sample of employees.

Industries such as the healthcare field are growing rapidly. Each year there is a need for more employees with specific knowledge. Fast track programs focus on many areas in healthcare that can get qualified staff into a job sooner.

In the medical field, opportunities for medical assistants, dental hygienists, and technicians are rising. This is also true for sectors needing more trade skills that include plumbing, heating and cooling, and even heavy equipment operators.

Information technology needs include web developers and software technicians. Repairmen within the software industry are also in high demand.

There are many certification programs that lead to exceptional job opportunities, many of which pay better than if you have just a high school diploma.

After completing a fast track training program, you will be able to determine how gaining education can benefit your career. This can help you decide if you want to pursue further education, or remain in the workforce, or both.