Vocational Schools Gain Momentum in Sacramento

The country’s recession shows little sign of slowing down at the moment, and one state being hit hard is California. As more and more employees find themselves laid off, going back to school is an appealing option to pick up new skills for new careers. In California’s capital of Sacramento, vocational programs like dental assisting, massage therapy, and medical billing degrees are all becoming increasingly popular choices.

They’re attracting laid-off workers like Elk Grove resident Hanh Nguyen, who lost his job a few months ago after 10 years in construction. The 41-year-old recently enrolled in the truck driving program at Sacramento’s Center for Employment Training, a nonprofit trade school on 65th Street near the Florin Towne Centre.

“The hardest part is backing up,” Nguyen said, following a class session on driving skills at the school’s asphalt training yard last week. He’s hoping to jump-start a new career as a big-rig driver.

One obstacle now facing vocational school themselves is their dedication to helping students find jobs after college. According to the article, California now faces a 11.5% unemployment rate. That said, the best offense is a good defense, and one of the best defenses against unemployment is a variety of marketable skills — and the best way to gain those skills? A quality education.

Interested in that quality education? Check out dental training colleges, massage therapy schools, and medical billing colleges at Get Degrees!

© Copyright 2009 The Distance Daily. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.