There are three career paths to take for post-High School education programs. College, technical school, and apprenticeship programs. Look at college programs.
Pros
1. You can become an expert in a subject you love
2. University can prepare you for a specific career path
3. Graduates earn more
4. University gives you time to gain work experience
5. You’ll get a taste of independence
6. You will gain high-level transferable skills
7. It can broaden your mind
Cons
1. You may not gain technical skills
2. You may not get employability skills
3. Contact time is less than at school
4. You’ll leave with a lot of debt
5. You will be committing at least three years of your life
6. You’re not guaranteed a graduate job
7. Lifetime earnings can be higher with an apprenticeship
So what does this mean for me?*
The pros and cons of university mean you should think carefully before choosing your path. If you’re drawn to a university because you think it will help you get a well-paid job, you should think about the career path you’d like to pursue and research the various ways of getting there.
The following is a list of some of the available apprenticeship programs at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. The State of Wisconsin offers additional apprenticeship information. Visit our Technical and Trade Schools page for the other technical colleges that provide different programs throughout the state.
CONSTRUCTION REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
Construction Electrician
Environmental Service Technician
Painter and Decorator
Plumber
Residential Wirer
Sheet Metal Worker
Steamfitter (Construction)
Steamfitter (Refrigeration)
Telecommunications (VDV) Installer/Technician
INDUSTRIAL REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
Industrial Electrician (Maintenance Electrician)
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
Industrial Manufacturing Technician
Industrial Pipe Fitter
Machine Repair
Machine Tool (Machinist)
Mechatronics
Tool and Die Maker (Patternmaker)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
SERVICE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIPS
Arborist
Barber
Cosmetologist
Culinary Cook
Early Childhood Educator
Pharmacy Technician
* From the “Success at School” website