Ask how they got where they are and the education required for specific careers. The Advantages of Community and Technical Colleges Because of their open enrollment policies and their flexible scheduling of classes, community colleges offer a valuable option to students pursuing a first degree or who are interested in updating existing work skills. Their friendly environments can offer encouragement to students who are unsure of abilities or goals. In offering evening as well as day classes, community colleges accommodate the student who must work while attending classes. Their low cost in comparison to four year schools offers an attractive alternative to students who are concerned about financing their education.
Technical colleges can prepare students for jobs in existing vocational fields.
Most programs at the technical schools are hands on, practical, skill-building classes designed to prepare the student for immediate employment. In Washington State, technical colleges are part of the public community and technical college system. It is very important not to confuse public technical colleges with for-profit trade or 'proprietary' schools. The mission of the technical colleges is to provide basic skills, vocational and workforce training through short-term programs that lead to job opportunities. In addition to the technical colleges shown above, all community colleges have technical and vocational program offerings.