Technical Schools Create Pathway To In-DemandCareers (NAPSA)—Whenit comesto higher education,onesize doesnotfit all. Every studentis wired differently. For some, a four-yearcollege degree may be ideal, butfor others, a technicaltraining program maybethebest option. There is growing recognition that hands-onprofessionals are increasingly valuable and in demand. Companies of all stripes—including WD-40 Company and 11 other transportation industry partners—are stepping uptotheplate to supportgroupslike TechForce Founda- For many young peopletoday, the road to success leads through a technical schooleducation tion, whose missionis to champion students through their education andinto careers as professionaltechnicians. “Our goal is to support naturally skilled tactile learners with tools and resources—like after-school programs, clubsandactivities, mentors and experiences—that allow them to engage with the quickly growing and highly technical world of vehicle technology,” said Jennifer Maher, CEO and execu- tive director of TechForce Foundation. “These tools and resources will also allow their parents and influencers to understand there are promising technical career opportunities that they may nothave considered.” Technical schools offer numerous benefits: A Path to Success: Technical and vocational schools match unique talents with the ways that somestudents learn and thrive. TechForce Foundation is a nonprofit organizationthat offers a learning style test to tell if a technical schoolisright for a particular student. Access to Jobs: According to the Bureau of LaborStatistics, the automotive industry alonewill need nearly 76,000 additional technicians in the future to make up for those who will soon ageout of the workforce, meaning graduates from automotive technical schools will be in demand. Focuson Technology: With approx- imately 100 million lines of code, most vehicles today are computers on wheels. Today’s technicians must usecritical analytical and diagnostic skills that are steeped in science, technology, engineering and math. Formoreinformation about finding, funding orattendinga technicalschool, visit www.techforcefoundation.org.
