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Connecticut Technical Schools: What Prospective Students Should Know

Throughout Connecticut’s unique history, technical education has steadily made way for the state’s innovation, with specialized academics and apprenticeships advancing industries like aerospace equipment, textiles, timepieces, tools, and more.

According to the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), 48% of modern jobs in Connecticut require skills training—but currently, only 38% of Connecticut’s residents are qualified in a specific skill.

To maximize their careers and minimize the skills gap, 41,842 residents enrolled in technical schools in Connecticut during the 2019-20 school year.

If you’re considering attending a Connecticut technical school or researching schools online, read below for the answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) from prospective technical school students.

What is a Technical School?

A technical school blends applied science and today’s technology to provide students with academic and vocational preparation for specific career fields, trades, and professions.

Also known as career and technical education (CTE), specialized schools prepare learners for work readiness and equip students with the essential hands-on skills needed for employability.

Compared to the conventional college education, technical schools do not centralize curricula around theory or rely as greatly on textbook memorization. Instead, CTE programs introduce industry possibilities to all ages — from middle and high school students to young adults and adult learners looking to change or advance their careers.

Postsecondary technical schools, also known as technical colleges and institutes, offer specialized training programs with a focus on career-oriented education. Most technical schools offer awards such as occupational diplomas, certificates, and licenses, while some career-focused colleges also offer associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and beyond.

What Types of Programs are Offered at Technical Schools?

Technical schools offer career-focused, vocational programs in various trades. The specific programs vary depending on full and part-time enrollment, length of study, and distinction awarded.

A career and technical education typically offers students a variety of 16 career clusters to study from, including:

Below are three common outcomes for technical program participants:

1. Licensure Preparation

Many career-focused programs prepare learners for licensure following graduation. With supervised experience and comprehensive study guides, technical programs prepare students to pass the final exam.

Examples of technical programs that assist learners for licensure include Goodwin University’s Registered Nursing program, ultimately training RNs for the NCLEX-RN exam.

Goodwin’s Dental Hygiene program also trains graduates for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).

2. Certificate or Diploma

Certificates and diplomas earned by technical school attendees are non-degree awards conveying the entry-level study and practice of a particular profession.

One example of a CTE certificate pathway is Goodwin University’s Medical Billing and Coding program. Other certificate options offered at the institution include:

3. Associate Degree

Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees are designed for future transfer students planning to continue their education by obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

However, Associate of Applied Science (AAS) credits are not intended to transfer to a four-year college or university, as the degree primarily trains graduates for a particular career path.

Associate degrees offered at Goodwin University include:

Can Technical Programs be Completed Online?

Technical schools typically have an essential hands-on component that cannot yet be taught through virtual instruction or digital simulation.

As a result, many technical programs provide students a hybrid of online education with the opportunity to develop practical skills during in-person apprenticeships, clinical sites, internships, and labs.

How to Find the Best Technical School in Connecticut

Technical school programs can be found in middle grades, secondary schools, adult workforce centers, community colleges, and select four-year universities.

However, the best technical or career-focused schools, like Goodwin University, provide learners with educational outcomes, career options to explore, and a collection of supports to help students succeed.

Benefits of Becoming a Tech School Graduate

Connecticut technical schools have countless advantages, including:

  • Career counseling — cover letter & CV help, interview prep, & more
  • Career networking — cohorts, industry connections, instructors, & mentors
  • Class sizes — small, personalized instruction
  • Career-specific courses — specialized programs to match your passions
  • Completion time — shorter duration, so students start their careers sooner
  • Considerate open admissions — non-selective entrance policies
  • Convenient classes — flexible formatting — online, night, & weekend options
  • Cost-conscious tuition — lower sticker price & student debt

Technical schools in Connecticut supply students with the skills to earn significant salaries. The optimistic outcomes of technical schools also have far-reaching effects — with substantial skilled worker wages ultimately boosting local business and elevating the economy.

Interested in a career-focused institution that inspires your future?

Click here to learn more about the meaningful majors offered at Goodwin!