Tech education: The innovative, efficient and affordable path to a degree

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Trends in Technical Education Certificates

1. Trends are showing that more and more people are not considering a traditional four-year college degree right after high school, or even later in life as they re-enter the workforce. For some, the idea of a large university is overwhelming, and for others, the cost is prohibitive.
2. Enter the world of technical education certificates – an alternative pathway to a successful career that is both affordable and flexible. At Snow College, students have the opportunity to learn valuable trades like cosmetology, cybersecurity or welding without the hefty price tag of a traditional degree.

The Benefits of Technical Education

• Technical education is indeed higher education, recognized as part of the Utah System of Higher Education. And technical education is typically more affordable. For example, at Snow College, each credit for technical education costs only $85, making it an economically smart choice for many.
• Students can obtain short-term certificate training without the need for general education courses, ensuring they can quickly gain employable skills. Additionally, tuition assistance is available, and every class earns college credit, making the investment even more valuable.

A Smooth Transition to an Associate Degree

• Often, students discover that once they begin a technical education class, their ambitions grow. However, they might still feel hesitant about enrolling in a large university. Snow College recognizes this dilemma and offers a unique solution: the ability to apply technical education credits toward an associate degree.
• As the only school in Utah to offer this, Snow College ensures that these credits don’t expire, allowing students to save time and potentially earn an associate degree in as little as one year. Many of these classes can be completed online or on campus, providing the flexibility to fit different lifestyles.

Expanding Horizons with an Associate Degree

1. Once students earn an associate degree, they experience a multitude of opportunities. Whether starting a career or pursuing further education, students with an associate degree through technical education are well-prepared.
2. Snow College has secured full transfer agreements with every public university in the state, offering the lowest tuition rates and saving students even more money. The college also provides competency-based education, allowing students to earn credits by demonstrating their skills, further reducing the time and cost required to obtain a degree.

The Ultimate Path to Success

• A versatile and economical pathway to education and career success does exist. Whether students aim to earn a technical certificate or transition seamlessly to an associate degree and beyond, Snow College provides a comfortable, affordable and seamless educational experience. This innovative approach ensures that students can embark on a career or continue their education with confidence and minimal financial burden.

For those considering their educational options, visit snow.edu/techconnect to learn more.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.3: By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.
   • Indicator 4.3.1: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training in the previous 12 months.
   • Indicator 4.3.2: Participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training by sex.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • Target 8.6: By 2020, substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education or training.
   • Indicator 8.6.1: Proportion of youth (aged 15-24 years) not in education, employment, or training.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article highlights the benefits of technical education certificates as an alternative pathway to a successful career that is both affordable and flexible. It mentions Snow College, which offers valuable trades like cosmetology, cybersecurity, and welding without the hefty price tag of a traditional degree. This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, specifically Target 4.3, which aims to ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational, and tertiary education, including university.

The article also mentions that technical education is typically more affordable, with each credit at Snow College costing only $85. This affordability contributes to Target 4.3 under SDG 4. Additionally, the article states that students can obtain short-term certificate training without the need for general education courses, ensuring they can quickly gain employable skills. This aligns with the indicators mentioned under Target 4.3, which measure the participation rate of youth and adults in formal and non-formal education and training.

The article further discusses the smooth transition from technical education to an associate degree, with Snow College allowing technical education credits to be applied towards an associate degree. This aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, as it promotes the accessibility and continuity of education. It also mentions that Snow College has secured full transfer agreements with every public university in the state, offering the lowest tuition rates and saving students even more money. This contributes to Target 4.3 under SDG 4.

Lastly, the article mentions the ultimate path to success through versatile and economical education. This aligns with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, which focuses on promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. Target 8.6 aims to reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. The article mentions that technical education provides students with employable skills, contributing to this target. The indicator mentioned under Target 8.6 measures the proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training.

Source: stgeorgeutah.com