the Price of Career Training

Last fall our son attended a career training school to become a certified mobile electronics installer. This particular program is the first level of certification for people who install such things as remote starts, stereos, alarms, and smart start systems into a vehicle. The school is accredited by our state and students who are eligible may apply for Sallie Mae Career Loans. The school can also accept Veteran's education benefits. The beginning level program is a full time, five day a week program lasting eight weeks. Tuition for the program is $3995 with an additional $808.59 for books, tools, safety supplies and certification exam fees. Room and board is not provided however students could room at a nearby motel chain for a reduced rate and there were plenty of fast food places within the area for dining. Classes ran daily 9-5pm and were divided into two sessions; the morning session was a lecture in a classroom covering basic 12 volt electrical theory, safety, and laws while the afternoon classes were lab style with hands on learning. The national certification exam was given on the last day of classes. The school offers a post certification placement program.

I was a little surprised a career training school cost so much but I must say it was well worth it. Our son passed his national exams with a 90 average and received several job offers right away. Most importantly, he felt well prepared for the job he did accept. I think a key to the school's success is the small class size (the program is limited to 12 students per term) which allowed the students to really have a hands-on experience and not just observe lab activities as so often happens with a large class. Our son plans to go back later this year to take the course for the next certification level. The only disappointment we had with this experience was not so much with the school itself but with thecareer loan program. Initially our son planned to take out a career loan to cover the $4800 tuition and fees but the interest rate turned out to be in excess of 17% so he borrowed from us instead. The school itself was promoting this particular loan program and I think they are doing the students a disservice by pushing a program with such a high interest rate.

We had heard horror stories of trade or career schools ripping off students and really did our due diligence in researching the qualifications of this school before our son applied. We made sure the school and the instructors were certified by the state's higher education board. We were leary of any school that could not accept Veteran's educational benefits or sponsor Sallie Mae loans.