BridgeYear's Career Test Drive® Fair Booklet (Fall 2024)

THANK YOU TO

OUR SPONSORS

BridgeYear would like to thank the following companies for sponsoring a variety of high-growth, in-demand careers for BridgeYear’s Career Test Drive® Fair.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD JOB, GOOD?

Living Wage A living wage is the salary needed to afford a basic living standard. A single adult without children needs about $15/hour in Houston. Living wage only considers basic needs such as housing, food, transport, and healthcare.

Career Ladders Your employer should offer opportunities to take on more responsibility and move up. This can be in the form of salary raises and/or promotions to higher positions. A great career ladder clearly outlines the paths you can take.

Development Some employers may offer to pay for college or additional trainings as an investment in YOU! Typically a company will request a certain number of years of employment with the company in exchange.

Health Insurance Your employer should offer to cover some, or all, of your insurance costs. If employer-sponsored health insurance is not offered, there are other options to purchase coverage directly from insurance companies.

Retirement Plans Retirement plans like a 401k allow you to save money for expenses you’ll have after you stop working. You’ll be able to access these funds at the age of 59 or older. Great employers match your contribution up to a percentage.

THINGS TO KEEP AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

Professional Email Create an email and check it at least once a day. Make sure your email is professional: “firstnamelastname@gmail.com” versus “catgurl2@gmail.com”.

High School Transcript Keep your transcript in an unopened, sealed envelope. Most academic institutions will ask for proof of high school completion or its equivalency. Your final transcript will be available from your school registrar.

Important Documents/Numbers Make sure you have copies of the following: your social security card or work authorization number, FSA ID log-in (when applying for FAFSA), state-issued identification, and a recent photo ID from your high school or a valid passport.

Shot Record Colleges and certain industries (like healthcare) require a copy of your immunization record. It is best to get your necessary shots before you turn 18 as they are often free or low cost for minors.

Tax Forms Keep all year-end W2's and completed tax documents for yourself and your parents or guardians. You may need these documents to apply for financial aid.

QUESTIONS TO ASK SCHOOLS PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT How much are tuition & fees for my program?

This information may be listed on a school's website. Make sure you know if books and other supplies are included in the fees. Even if the tuition and fees are listed, confirm the information is for the academic year you plan to enroll.

How much debt does the average student graduate with?

Look for programs where this number is low. Ideally, you want to graduate with little to no debt; aim to have less debt than what you anticipate to make within your first year of work.

What percentage of students graduate?

Look for a high percentage of students graduating within the timeline the school advertises. This means students aren’t wasting money and time, have access to the classes they need, and are being supported by the school’s staff.

What is the job placement rate?

Ask how this number is calculated; it is usually the number of graduates who are placed in an industry-related job within six months of graduating. This number should be high - over 75 percent.

What accreditations/endorsements does the school hold?

Your school should be accredited by a reputable agency approved by the Department of Education. Some trade industry associations also endorse schools as ideal institutions for that field of study.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL CAREER PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?

A B C D

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (APPRENTICESHIP) < 1 YEAR • A job that pays you to learn “on the job” is known as an apprenticeship.

• You earn a license after 1-2 years of employment through “learn while you earn.”

• As an apprentice, you’ll work under the guidance of a certified or licensed expert in the field.

• You must be willing to work your way up!

CERTIFICATE 1 YEAR • A program that takes one year or less leads to earning a certificate.

• Certificate programs prepare you for a specific skill and/or career.

• Typically, you don’t take general education classes (history, social sciences, etc.).

• You can use your certificate courses toward an Associate of Applied Science.

• Great choice if you want to focus on one career path.

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE 2 YEARS •The “hands-on,” ready-for-work 2-year degree that prepares you for employment.

• Usually requires prerequisite general education classes like math and English.

• Often taught in simulated work place environments right on campus.

• Great choice if you want to work in highly technical hands-on professions.

• Upon completion you will be prepared for an entry-level position or higher.

ASSOCIATE/BACHELOR'S 2-4 YEARS • A 2-year degree that doesn’t train you for a specific job is known as an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science. Credits from either degree can be used to pursue a Bachelor’s degree.

• A 4-year degree is known as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science.

• Both degrees offer flexibility in future career paths and can be broadly applied to many fields.

• Both degrees are often required to advance into higher management and executive positions.

WHICH PATHWAY IS FOR ME? I enjoy learning in a traditional classroom environment

NO

I know what career I want to pursue

Only when I like the topic

NO

I enjoy hands on projects

YES

YES

I want to learn on the job

YES I'd rather learn the skills before working

I'm interested in staying in school for two or more years

NO

NO

NO

YES

I want to keep my career options open.

If I absolutely HAD to take traditional classes like math and reading...

I'd rather find something else

YES

I'd make it happen

Having a college degree is important to me

NO YES

YES

A B C D

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING (APPRENTICESHIP)

CERTIFICATE

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

ASSOCIATE/ BACHELOR'S

MorePathways is a website where you can search low-cost, short-term career training programs and explore careers requiring less than a 4 year degree.

Comprehensive Filters

Filter training programs based on criteria such as cost, duration, eligibility, location, and more.

Detailed Program Information

Learn about a training program’s eligibility requirements, benefits, outcomes, and contact information.

Training Program Comparison

Select 'compare' to explore program details, including training costs, duration, credentials earned, and other features.

Save and Access Trainings

Save careers and programs for later and access training applications.

Chat with an Advisor

Schedule meetings with a BridgeYear Advisor for personalized help.

Discover Local Training Programs Today

www.MorePathways.org

A

B

C

D

Automotive Technician $14-26/HR ENTRY WAGE

Automotive technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles. They must accurately diagnose a vehicle’s problem and effectively fix the issue. They must use their problem-solving skills to identify the issue and determine the best course of action for repair.

Desired Skill Set

Troubleshooting

Customer Service

Adaptable

Expected Working Conditions

Active

Routine

Team Sponsored by:

A

B

C

D

Automotive Technician PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

A

B

C

Pathway Type:

On-the-Job Training (Apprenticeship)

Certificate

Associate of Applied Science

Time

2 years

1 year

2 years

Learning Environment

Hands-on practical learning

Community college

Community college

Cost

Free: You're getting paid to learn from day one!

$$$

$$$

What You Get

Eligible to do the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification after working as Lube or Collision Technician for 2 years

Certificate in Autobody / Collision Repair OR Certificate in Automotive Technology

Associate of Applied Science in Automotive Technology

Sponsored by:

A

B

C

D

Biological Technician

$17-30/HR ENTRY WAGE Biological technicians assist in preparing and operating laboratory equipment used to conduct biological research and biomanufacturing processes. They adhere to strict laboratory protocols and maintain a clean environment to ensure accurate results and quality products.

Desired Skill Set

Analytical Skills

Communication

Detail Oriented

Self-Directed

Expected Working Conditions

Self-Paced

Routine

Sterile Environment

Sponsored by:

B

A

C

D

Biological Technician

PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

B

C

D

Pathway Type:

Certificate

Associate of Applied Science

Associate / Bachelor

Time

Less than 1 year

2 years

2-4 years

Learning Environment

Community College

Community College

Community College / University

Cost

$$$

$$$

$$$

What You Get

Biotechnician Assistant and move forward into more specialized roles

Associate of Applied Science in Biomanufacturing Technology or Biotechnology

Degree in Biotechnology

Sponsored by:

A

B

C

D

Electrician

$14-27/HR ENTRY WAGE Electricians install and maintain wiring for electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. They read blueprints to determine where circuits, outlets, panel boards, and other electrical components are to be found or placed.

Desired Skill Set

Basic Math

Troubleshooting

Customer Service

Adaptable

Expected Working Conditions

Active

Team

Varied Locations

A

B

C

D

Electrician

PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

A

B

Pathway Type:

On-the-Job Training (Apprenticeship)

Certificate

Time

2 years

1 semester

Learning Environment

Learn under the supervision of a licensed Electrician

Community college

Cost

Free: You're getting paid to learn from day one!

$$$

Certification is dependent on hours of training: What You Get

Apprentice (4,000 hrs) Journeyman (8,000 hrs) Master (must pass exam)

Certificate in electrical work **Not required; this is for students who want to learn the basics in a classroom setting before beginning an apprenticeship

A

B

C

D

Manufacturing Technician $11-26/HR ENTRY WAGE

Manufacturing technicians are in charge of operating, maintaining, and quality-checking machinery used in the production of goods, ensuring that manufacturing equipment runs efficiently and meets quality standards throughout the whole process.

Desired Skill Set

Computer Skills

Troubleshooting

Detail Oriented

Expected Working Conditions

Collaborative

Routine

Continuous improvement

Sponsored by:

A

B

C

D

Manufacturing Technician

PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

A

B

C

Pathway Type:

On-the-Job Training (Apprenticeship)

Certificate

Associate of Applied Science

Time

About 1 year

Less than 1 year

2 years

Learning Environment

Hands-on practical learning

Community college

Community college

Cost

Free: You're getting paid to learn from day one!

$$$

$$$

What You Get

Start as an Manufacturing Technician and move forward into more specialized roles

Certificate in ComputerNumerical Control (CNC) or Computer Assisted Manufacture (CAM)

Associate of Applied Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology Sponsored by:

A

B

D

C

Network Technician $16-29/HR ENTRY WAGE

A network technician's job is to install, test, and maintain internet systems in homes, business offices, schools, and research labs. They install computer networks, connections, and cabling and perform quality assurance tests according to specifications. This career is extremely valuable since internet is foundational to the functioning of businesses and organizations in our current digital age.

Desired Skill Set

Troubleshooting

Self-Directed

Expected Working Conditions

Back-End Support

Self-Paced

Routine Sponsored by:

A

B

D

C

Network Technician PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

B

C

Pathway Type:

Certificate

Associate of Applied Science

Time

Less than 1 year

2 years

Learning Environment

Community college

Community college

Cost

$$$

$$$

What You Get

Certificates vary; most common is CompTIA Network+

Associate of Applied Science in Networking Technology

Sponsored by:

A

B

D

C

Pharmacy Technician $11-21/HR ENTRY WAGE

A pharmacy technician's role is to accurately and efficiently fill medications, utilize prescription data entry systems and troubleshoot insurance claims. The work of a pharmacy technician is very important since patients need their medicine for any multitude of personal health reasons.

Desired Skill Set

Basic Math

Customer Service

Organization

Expected Working Conditions

Active

Self-Paced

Routine Sponsored by:

A

B

D

C

Pharmacy Technician PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

A

B

C

Pathway Type:

On-the-Job Training (Apprenticeship)

Certificate

Associate of Applied Science

Time

About 1 year

1 year

2 years

Learning Environment

Work under supervision of a training instructor

Community College

Community College

Cost

Free: You're getting paid to learn from day one!

$$$

$$$

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Associate of Applied Science in Pharmacy Technician Specialization

What You Get

Pharmacy Technician Trainee License Pharmacy Technician Certificate

Sponsored by:

A

B

C

D

Phlebotomist $11-21/HR ENTRY WAGE

Phlebotomists are trained to collect blood samples for research, testing, donations, or transfusions. They verify the blood tests requested by a physician or a patient, draw blood samples, prepare the samples, and bring them to the lab.

Desired Skill Set

Customer Service

Adaptable

Organization

Expected Working Conditions

Active

Routine

A

B

C

D

Phlebotomist

PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

B Pathway Type:

Certification

Time

A few months

Learning Environment

Community college

Cost

$$$

Phlebotomist Technician Certification What You Get

**After obtaining the Phlebotomist Certification, students can stack the EKG and CNA Certification to become a Patient Care Technician

A

B

C

D

Plumber

$15-27/HR ENTRY WAGE Plumbers install, maintain, diagnose, and repair piping systems for water, drainage, sanitation, and other necessities in homes and businesses.

Experienced plumbers can be involved in developing blueprints indicating placement of all pipes and fixtures.

Desired Skill Set

Basic Math

Troubleshooting

Customer Service

Adaptable

Expected Working Conditions

Active

Self-Paced

Varied Locations

A

B

C

D

Plumber

PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

A

B

Pathway Type:

On-the-Job Training (Apprenticeship)

Certificate

Time

2 years

1-2 years

Learning Environment

Learn under the supervision of a licensed Plumber

Community College

Cost

Free: You're getting paid to learn from day one!

$$$

Certification is dependent on hours of training: What You Get

Apprentice (4,000 hrs) Journeyman (8,000 hrs) Master (must pass exam)

Certificate in Plumbing I & II **Not required; this is for students that want to learn the basics in a classroom setting before beginning an apprenticeship

A

B

C

D

Refinery Operator $17-31/HR ENTRY WAGE

Refinery Operators move & turn levers, knobs, and switches to adjust & monitor variables such as temperature, pressure, flow, level, and time; keeping meticulous records. This helps ensure safe and reliable distillation of crude oil or natural gas to produce a variety of refined products with many uses.

Desired Skill Set

Troubleshooting

Basic Math

Self-Directed

Expected Working Conditions

Active

Varied Locations

Self-Paced

Sponsored by:

A

B

C

D

Refinery Operator PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

A

B

C

Pathway Type:

On-the-Job Training (Apprenticeship)

Certificate

Associate of Applied Science

Time

1 years

1 year

2 years

Learning Environment

Hands-on practical learning

Community College

Community College

Cost

Free: You're getting paid to learn from day one!

$$$

$$$

What You Get

Start as an Operator Trainee and move forward into more complex operator roles or operations supervisor roles

Certificate in Process Technology

Associate of Applied Science in Process Technology Sponsored by:

A

C

B

D

Surgical Technologist $19-30/HR AVG WAGE

Surgical Technologist are part of a surgical operating team. Their responsibilities include: ensuring the operating field is sterile before, during, and after surgeries, assisting the surgeon by passing sterile instruments, and maintaining counts.

Surgical Technologists prepare the instrument tables and materials prior to the arrival of the surgeon.

Desired Skill Set

Communication

Basic Math

Detail Oriented

Works Well Under Pressure

Expected Working Conditions

Active

Routine

Team Sponsored by:

A

B

C

D

Surgical Technologist PATHWAYS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL

C Pathway Type:

Associate of Applied Science

Time

2-3 years

Learning Environment

Community College

Cost

$$$

What You Get

Associate of Applied Science in Surgical Technology

Sponsored by:

Our Mission BridgeYear seeks to enlighten students to the numerous career options that require less than a four-year degree.

These options are high-growth, high-demand careers that many people are unaware of or might overlook.

We fundamentally believe there is no “one size fits all” approach to education and that multiple options must be made available for students to make informed decisions about their futures.

To learn more, please visit us at: www.BridgeYear.org

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