The North Dakota CNA exam consists of two parts, written and skills assessments. The state has contracted with an independent company to give and observe the tests. The results are sent in to the company who will grade them and the students will not know whether they have passed on the day of the exam. Each student will have to pass both halves in order to obtain certification, although the halves are graded separately. A student who does not pass one half of the examination is allowed to take it again up to a total of three times. If they are not able to pass at that point, they will need to take the course again if they wish to continue.

According to the website a warm up test is offered for the North Dakota CNA exam so students will be able to get a feel for how the site works. The written portion of the test contains questions covering the material presented throughout the course. Students should study their previous chapter tests as well as the book in order to prepare for the test. The skills assessment portion of the test includes physically demonstrating tasks which have been taught in class. Students may need to transfer patients using lifts, demonstrate their ability to take vital signs, or possibly show how they would change a resident’s bedding. The skills are randomly chosen and students who fail will receive a different set of skills for their next test.

After passing the North Dakota CNA exam nursing assistants will be placed on the state registry. In order to qualify for jobs a background check will be performed. This ensures that no one who has a history of abuse or neglect will be working with residents. A theft conviction is another instance which will disqualify people from working in long term care facilities. North Dakota currently projects many job openings for the next few years with some sign on incentives for CNA’s.

How to Obtain a North Dakota CNA License or Renewal

Obtaining a North Dakota CNA license will open the door into the health industry for students who are seeking a new career or who may want to continue on into nursing. There is currently a high demand for nursing assistants in this area and many facilities offer not only a good pay scale but sign on bonuses as well. The courses are designed to meet state and federal guidelines and will prepare a student for the exam which they must pass to be placed on the registry and become an active worker.

Course requirements for obtaining a North Dakota CNA license include a minimum of 75 hours of instruction and training. Before they are able to go on the floor and work with residents students are required to complete at least 16 hours of their training on items such as respecting resident’s rights, infection control, safety skills, communication skills and learning to promote the resident’s independence. These requirements are designed to not only protect the residents but to reinforce the importance of the skills themselves. They will be given an opportunity to take the test three times before being required to retake the course if they wish to continue to pursue the career path. Tests are given and graded by impartial observers who must be approved by the department overseeing the registry.

Renewing a North Dakota CNA license through employment of at least 8 hours within the previous two years and submitting a renewal form will keep the assistant on the state registry. For those who have not worked within the past 24 month period an approved program and test or possibly just a competency evaluation will be required. Background checks are performed on all applications and an appeals process is in place for nursing assistants who have been found innocent of wrongdoing. Charges of neglect, abuse or theft are all black marks which may keep an applicant from being able to obtain or renew their certification.

As the population of North Dakota continues to grow and as workers and residents alike age the demand for CNA’s will grow. The salary ranges considerably depending upon experience and demand in a particular area. Lucrative bonuses for sign on may enhance the annual salary making this a good time to go into the health industry.

What is the average hourly wage for Automotive Technicians?
As at May 2010 the average hourly wage for both automotive service technicians and auto mechanics was $17.21.

At May 2010 salaries for Automotive Technicians were at:
• Highest:  $28.65 per hour
• Mid point: $12.65 – $22.73 per hour
• Lowest: $9.71 per hour.

The highest paying sector was Local government at $20.07 with the lowest paying sector being Automotive parts, accessories and tire stores at $14.90.

Many repair shops paid commission related to the labor charged to the customer which results in earnings relating to the amount of work done.

What is the average hourly wage for Aircraft Mechanics.

As at May 2008 the average salary for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was at $24.71.
At May 2010 salaries for Aircraft Mechanics were at:
• Highest $33.19
• Mid point $20.25 – $ 29.25
• Lowest $15.85

The highest paying sector was Scheduled air transportation at $27.06 and the lowest paying sector was Support Activities for air transportation at $20.95.
Mechanics that work with jets are on average the highest earners than those working on any other type of aircraft.  Better salaries are earned by those who completed aviation maintenance technician school.

What is the average hourly wage for Auto Body Repair Technicians?

As at May 2008 the average salary for Auto Body Repairers was at $17.81.
At May 2010 salaries for automotive body and related repairers were at:

• Highest $30.17
• Medium between $13.74 and $23.57
• Lowest $10.75
At May 2010 salaries for automotive glass installers and repairers were at:
• Highest $23.39
• Medium between $12.40 and $18.88.
• Lowest $9.71

Most body repairers are employed by independent repair shops and are paid on an incentive basis.  They usually get a paid per the tasks that they complete and the more work they complete the more they will earn.

What is the average hourly wage for Diesel bus and truck repair mechanics?

As at May 2008 the average salary for Diesel bus and truck repair mechanics was at $18.94.
At May 2010 salaries for Diesel bus and truck repair mechanics were at:

• Highest $28.41
• Medium between $15.25 and $23.58
• Lowest $12.50
The highest paying industry for diesel mechanics is the Automotive equipment rental and leasing at $19.27 and the lowest is the Specialized freight trucking sector which pays $16.99
Most experienced Diesel mechanics are paid on a commission basis which is in direct relation to the amount charged to the customer, therefore their earnings may fluctuate based on the amount of work they completed.  Apprentices usually earn about 50 to 75 percent of the amount that experienced workers earn.
Conclusion: Besides possible geographic adjustments the overall pay range for mechanics can be significant. As with most professions, the higher your qualification and the bigger your experience, the higher your salary as a mechanic will be.

California CNA courses must be approved by the California Department of Health Services which also operates the state registry. The 150 hours of training focuses on 100 hours of clinical rotation and 50 hours spent in the classroom. Federal law requires students spend at least 16 hours in training prior to working with residents. Focus on infection control through procedures such as hand washing, respecting residents and their property and how to read and record vital signs are some of the skills which students learn during classes. Safely transferring patients through the use of items as simple as walking with a gait belt to more complex machines which are used to lift and move residents is a required skill which nursing assistants will use time and again. More mundane tasks which are equally vital to the health of the residents include helping them with toileting, oral care such as brushing teeth and dentures, and changing bedding are all important skills which are taught and tested. Practicing the skills until they are second nature will help students provide quality care to residents as well as pass their final exam. Nursing assistants work under the supervision of a nurse and are relied upon by the medical staff to notify them of any sudden changes in the health of their patients. Knowing how to recognize emergencies and being empathetic are two important parts of being a caregiver.

California CNA courses prepare students for a career in the health field. With an aging population this is a career opportunity which continues to see an upswing. Many certified nursing assistants consider this a stepping stone and go on through the use of a bridge program to become an LPN or RN. Employment is generally based on an hourly wage and a variety of shifts are available. Reimbursement may be given if the students meet employment conditions and sign on bonuses are also frequently offered by employers who are seeking qualified employees who have successfully completed California CNA courses.

California CNA Exam

Passing the California CNA exam will allow certified nursing assistants to be placed on the state registry for employment within the state. The exam is a two part test covering both a written and a skills assessment portion. Students may attempt to pass each portion of the test a maximum of three times prior to having to take additional training. Continuing education is required as well as a minimum of eight hours of paid work within a two year period in order for certification to be renewed. Provisions for reciprocity exist and require documentation and forms which can be found on the California Department of Health Services website.

The California CNA exam consists of both a written and skills portion. The written part of the test features 70 questions in a multiple choice format, which students are given up to 2 hours to complete. A warning that the test is about to end is given 15 minutes prior to the time limit. An oral test via cassette is also offered to students who have difficulty with a written test. A variety of skills are covered in the written test such as, physical care, psychological care, the role of a nursing aide and their sub chapters. Each category has a designated percentage of questions which will be found on the test. Students are able to study and use a practice test prior to taking the written exam in order to see what type of questions and format the test is given in.

The skills assessment portion of the California CNA exam is given in a setting similar to one where the nursing assistant will actually work. A volunteer is used as the resident and students will treat them as they would the actual patient. Asking to enter the room and explaining what they are doing while performing the tasks is encouraged. Students who are taking the exam are also asked to play the part for other students and will be given direction by the examiner. Critical element steps are fundamentals which if not completed, will result in the student failing the test. A list of skills and how to perform them, including the critical steps, can be found in the handbook. The skills assessment consists of performing 5 skills, one of which is always hand washing. The other 4 skills are chosen randomly for each student. Students may go back and correct a missed skill but must tell the evaluator when the skill should have been performed and must also do so prior to the evaluator telling them to do so. All students will also have one step of their skills assessment which includes placing a measurement on a recording sheet. A total of 25 minutes is given to students to finish this portion of their test. Passing the California CNA exam qualifies students to be placed on the state registry and be eligible for employment.

The Arizona CNA course requirements exceed federal law, and provide students instruction in skills which they will use to provide care to hospital patients or residents in long term care facilities. These include tasks such as feeding residents, helping a bed ridden patient get dressed, changing linens, helping with toileting and transferring patients using a variety of lifts. Walking with patients using a gait belt provides the caregiver an apparatus to hold onto to help prevent falls. Nursing assistants are trained to recognize both mental and physical problems which occur in residents and how to deal with them. Depression, Alzheimer’s and dementia are all problems which may occur in elderly residents. Physical abilities decline due to age and disease leaving some residents unable to get out of bed by themselves. Knowing how to use foam pads to prevent foot drop and watching for bed sores are just a few of the daily tasks an assistant performs.

++ Related Article: What is a CNA ++

The Arizona CNA course requirements include clinical work as well as instructional. Students will have hands on training after completing a minimum of 16 hours learning and practicing the skills they will need. Hand washing is one of the most important skills to help stop the spread of infection and disease, students will be taught how to do a thorough job and when to do so.  This is an ideal training for people who are caring and empathetic and enjoy helping others. Residents are very dependent upon these services and the people who perform them. After finishing an approved Arizona CNA course a student will be eligible to take the state exam to become a certified nursing assistant and placed on the state registry.

Arizona CNA Exam

The Arizona CNA exam is given to students through Headmaster which is contracted with many states to run their testing programs. The test is divided into a written portion and a skills assessment portion with each being graded separately. Students are given three chances to pass each half if they fail on the first attempt. A finger print and background check are required in order to be placed on the registry to be eligible for employment. Students who have not taken the required courses within the state may still be able to challenge the exam if they meet the set criteria consisting of hours of training and actual work. Prospective challengers must sign provide verification of previous training and work experience and sign a waiver to pursue this avenue.

The Arizona CNA exam consists of a two part test, written and skills assessment. The written portion contains 75 questions and the students are allowed up to ninety minutes to finish this portion. The questions are multiple choice and OBRA requires they cover twelve different categories, such as safety, data collections, mental health and resident’s rights. A practice test is available on the Headmaster website which will allow students the opportunity to determine the format of the testing program however it does not guarantee passage of the actual test.

The physical skills assessment portion of the Arizona CNA exam states that all students will have either bed pan and output or perineal care as one of their tasks plus an additional three which are chosen at random. Students are required to score at least an 80% on every one of the skills to pass the test.  A 35 minute time limit is set in which students must complete all of their tasks. Reading through these on Headmaster’s site prior to the test will help a student prepare for the test. Every bolded procedure has to be performed for each task or the student will not pass this half of the test. A trained observer watches the student during the skills assessment however they are not grading the test. If a mistake is made the student may go back and correct it prior to stating that they have finished the test.

After passing the Arizona CNA exam a nursing assistant will be placed on the state registry. A list is also kept of disqualified persons and “imposters” who are not able to work in this capacity within the state. Keeping a certification in good standing and up to date requires employment within a two year period. Students who begin working in a nursing home or other long term care facility with one year of their courses may be eligible to receive reimbursement for their education. Passing the Arizona CNA exam is the first step to a rewarding and satisfying career within the medical field.

All journeyman plumbers must have on the job training as part of their licensure.  In the next 7 years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that the plumbing field will grow by 16 percent up to 2018. This is in line with the expected growth in related professions like being an Electrician.

An apprenticeship program is an “earn while you learn” type program. In the plumbing field many apprenticeship programs are sponsored by unions. The applicant to the program is interviewed by the union and then must pass a drug screening test and an aptitude test. In addition, the applicant must be 18 years of age and a high school graduate.

The program then requires the applicant to complete 2,000 hours of on the job training per year. While you work you are getting paid. Most apprentices start work around $13 per hour.  Formal class room instruction is taken at night. Apprentices must complete 144 hours of night time instruction. Apprentice training for plumbers lasts about five years.

Apprentices are closely supervised by journeyman or certified plumbers while they complete their on the job training.

Once the apprenticeship is completed, then the apprentice becomes a journeyman plumber and must successfully pass the journeyman test and obtain certification by the appropriate state.

++ Related Article: How to become a plumber ++

“I took up plumbing after I decided not to go to college. I had the grades to go but I did not have the money. The apprenticeship paid for my schooling. All I had to pay were for books. And I have no student loans after I complete my apprenticeship,” said Ryan Brewster a journeyman plumber from Nev.

The common misconception about plumbers is that they clean sewer drains and toilets all day. The truth of the matter is the plumbing field has five subcategories. In the plumbing field there are pipe layers, pipefitters, steamfitters, sprinkler fitters and then plumbers. The pipe layers work mainly outdoors installing large pipe systems that carry liquids and gas. Pipefitters and steamfitters work mainly indoors with high pressure and low pressure pipe systems. Sprinkler fitters work primarily with installing fire suppression systems. Finally the plumbers work in commercial or residential settings maintaining or installing sewage systems, water and gas systems.

“I looked at the average pay of plumbers and said to myself, wow these contractors are some of the highest paid technicians of all the trades. I did not base my entire decision on pay but it did not hurt my decision,” said Brewster. Plumbers on average, according to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics, will earn from $13 to $30 per hour.

The plumbing trade offers lucrative paying jobs in new construction and also has jobs in maintenance for commercial properties and residential.

The cost of the Oklahoma CNA training courses may be covered for students who are already working in a long term care facility or may be reimbursed when students meet the conditions set forth. The money is made available through fines which have been imposed on facilities which do not meet the criteria they have been assigned when they are inspected. Federal law dictates part of the conditions and prospective students should learn more information when they sign up for the classes.

++ Related Article: CNA Online Training ++

Oklahoma CNA training programs will teach students the skills they need in order to communicate and care for patients once they have become certified nursing assistants. These include but are not limited to tasks such as helping patients to and from the dining room, assisting them with meals, toileting, dressing and changing bedding. Learning to take vital signs and knowing when to inform the nurse of changes are two of the most important aspects of the job. Nursing assistants are considered the eyes and ears of the profession as they have more daily interaction with the patients, thus are more likely to notice a change in their behavior or condition. The job requires people who are caring and comforting due to the condition of many of the patients.

Students wishing to take Oklahoma CNA training programs are required to pass a full background check prior to admittance. Having a past record of neglect or abuse as well as theft are all items which will make a person ineligible to become a certified nursing assistant. Some types of facilities may have stricter provisions than the federal or state laws. This is to ensure the safety of residents and their property. The prospective student will also be asked to show proof of having a negative TB test within six months prior to beginning the course.

++ Related Article: Red Cross CNA Training ++

After finishing the Oklahoma CNA training programs including the CNA II a nursing assistant will be required to pass the final examination prior to being listed on the registry. The courses and tests will help ensure an assistant is prepared for the two part exam.

Oklahoma CNA Exam

The Oklahoma CNA exam is available to students who have finished an approved course including hours of coursework and clinical training. The exam is given by D&S operating as Headmaster and is in two parts. Students will be required to pass both the written and skills assessment with a 70% and 80% respectively. They will be allowed to take the test up to three times before having to take a second course if they wish to continue. After passing the examination certified nursing assistants will be placed on the state registry.

Headmaster is in charge of testing students who wish to take the Oklahoma CNA exam. This is an impartial test given in two sections. The written portion may also be given orally although there is an additional charge for this. ADA forms as well as an Affidavit of Lawful Presence are available via their website along with all the forms and information students need to sign up for and take the tests. The company provides impartial observers to assess students during the skills portion of the test.

The written portion of the Oklahoma CNA exam consists of 72 questions and students are allowed 90 minutes in which to finish the test. They will be notified when only fifteen minutes remain in which to complete the test and the students may not ask any questions about the test itself. Subjects within the test itself include mental health questions, basic nursing skills, communications and others which have been covered during the course. Students are able to find more information within the Oklahoma Candidate Handbook for certified nursing testing.

The skills segment of the Oklahoma CNA exam requires everyone to demonstrate hand washing as it is included in nearly every task performed by a nursing assistant. The student will be required to also demonstrate four other tasks and score at least an 80% on each skill to pass the test. A time limit of 35 minutes is given to complete the five skills. When a student is unsure of whether they have made a mistake, they may go back either to the beginning of the skill or to where they believe they made the mistake and begin again so long as they remain within the time limit. Once the student believes they have completed the tasks to their own satisfaction they are able to tell the observer who will then end the test. As with the written portion of the test the observer may not answer any questions or give any feedback to the student. After successfully completing the Oklahoma CNA exam nursing assistants will be placed on the state registry and become eligible to begin working.

So you are thinking with all your practical knowledge you will be able to get work at a workshop and that you don’t really need the learning.

Wrong

It is really difficult in these competitive times to forge yourself a decent career.  You are quite right that you may be able to get work with all your practical knowledge and many workshops will gladly take you on as an assistant.

The question you want to ask yourself is this:

Do I want to be the shop servant for the rest of my life?

Without your ASE or certificate in Automotive Service Excellence you are shutting many doors in your face.

I have seen this happen to countless young people.

You leave school and start working as an auto shop and you are earning money.  Your friends go on to further their education.  You feel cool because you have a salary and they don’t.  You can afford to go out and you have a little apartment of your own, while they are living home still or sharing a dorm room.

Ten Years Later:

You are still working in the same auto shop your salary has barely gone up you see many of your colleagues that started with you, but had completed their ASEs getting promotions and earning double what you are earning.  Your friends that went to study are all driving fancy cars and living in comfortable homes.  You still live in the same rundown apartment.

++ Related Article: How to become a Collision Repair & Refinishing Specialist ++

What should you do?

No matter how much you hate book learning.  Do it.  Make sure you do all you need to, to get your ASEs even try your best to specialise in a sought after field of Auto Mechanics.    Try to get in at a good and recognised auto motive school.    Some companies provide in house training.  Do your research and try to get work at a company that will help you with getting your qualifications.

Remember cars are becoming more and more complex.  No education for an auto motive mechanic was acceptable when they were still very simple mechanisms.  You however will find that you fall short without the proper education.

Do not get stuck in a dead end job because you were not determined enough to get the right education.  Buckle down and make sure that you do all the required subjects in High School.

Statistics have shown that college graduates make an average of 20% or more compared to non-college educated people in the same job. Getting your ASE certification might not be comparable to a college education, but it is a major step towards earning more money and to have a more secure job. So, spend the time to get certified and stop procrastinating.

“It really does not matter what the major is. Just keep your GPA up if you are getting an Associate’s Degree or if you are attending a four year college or university. The police candidate must be aware that becoming a police officer has become very competitive despite the dangers of the job,” said John Henry a retired police officer.

The bottom line is in this harsh economy every ounce of education counts. The more education you have the better. Education lets police recruiters know that you will be able to digest the academic material that modern police academies teach. Much of the education of a police officer involves memorization, but a police cadet is expected to be able think quickly on his feet especially when it comes to understanding the complex use of deadly force doctrines that municipalities employ.

In addition to a sharp mind, police recruiters expect future cadets to be in shape.  As a general rule police academies use military fitness standards. This means cadets will be exposed to the rigors of push-ups, sit ups, pull ups, running at least a mile and a half and be expected to complete some sort of obstacle course. If you desire to become a police officer, the physical aspect must be considered in advance. Police recruiters tend to test recruits prior to giving the recruit the opportunity to attend an academy.

This means those seeking a job with a police agency need to start running. Start with a mile and work your way up. Having the physical aspect of the job down prior to the academy is one less thing to worry about at the academy.

Do prior military types have an advantage? Yes they do. The reason being is that all police agencies are paramilitary organizations. To start with, at the academy much of the molding of a police officer requires the academy to break down old habits and to form new ones. Much of this is done through tactics developed in a boot camp atmosphere.

Recruits are taught many things that they teach in the military like how to march, how to  keep your uniform neat and pressed and how to stand at attention.

The advantage of having a military background is that a person with this background does not really have to learn the military aspect of the job. It is already ingrained into his head and he can focus on learning police procedures.

“I had four years of navy training so having a person yell at me at the police academy and standing at a attention while some guy checked my side arm for cleanliness did not bother me,” said Alice Eychner  a current police officer.

If you have an opportunity, check out the police department you are seeking employment with. Ask for a ride along with current police officers. Riding with a police officer will allow you to see what a police officer does and will allow you to ask questions. If you are in high school, join the police explorer program. This will give you exposure to police officers.

The application process of becoming a police officer is a long drawn out process that might take several months. The reason being is the back ground check. Police recruiters look at all aspects of your life. They interview family members looking for any faults. They talk to friends of the family and look into your psychological background as well any unstable aspects of your life.

In the end, becoming a police officer is not something you just decide to do. It takes mental as well as physical preparation.

Basically the Iowa CNA training courses consist of 75 hours of instruction with at least 30 hours of that being clinical training. After finishing the coursework and passing both a skills assessment and written exam the student will become a certified nursing assistant and will be listed on the state registry. Strict attention is paid as to any prior convictions of abuse or neglect as well as misappropriation of property, particularly when seeking employment in a long term care facility such as a nursing home.

The Iowa CNA training focuses on the needs of the patient or resident. Learning skills such as taking vital signs, steps to reduce the spread of infection, and helping patients with their daily living tasks such as personal grooming, are included in the courses. Certified nursing assistants work under the supervision of the nurse and are generally the part of the medical profession which interacts with the residents the most. They are the most likely to recognize a change of appearance or mental condition and must be alert as well as knowing when to alert a supervision immediately.

Iowa CNA training is designed to prepare the student fully for the exam after which they will be placed on the state registry. The state requires nursing assistants to receive 12 hours of training every year, which is usually made available through their employer. If a certified assistant is not employed, the certification remains good for two years from the last day of employment, however it will then lapse and they will be required to take the exam and possibly the entire course again prior to recertification.

The price of the Iowa CNA training is a minimum of $150 per student although it may be higher. Tuition may be covered by the employer or may be reimbursed to the student after completing the course. For students who are employed in a long term care facility the fee is not required. Contacting the state prior to starting a course is recommended when taking Iowa CNA training due to the variances in the programs for the differing types of facilities.

The Iowa CNA exam is given to students after they have finished a course with a minimum of 75 hours. The state requires that 30 of the 75 hours are clinical with the remainder being coursework. In this way students will be fully prepared not only for the two part test but also to begin their new career.

The Iowa CNA exam includes two sections. The first part is a written exam consisting of 70 questions and students must receive at least a passing grade of at least 70 percent. The second portion is a skills assessment test where students are required to demonstrate their ability to perform the tasks they have learned. They are generally asked to complete the steps from initially knocking and entering, performing the designated task, ensuring the patient’s comfort and privacy, then finally leaving the room. The skills are drawn randomly from all the skills which have been learned so no two students are likely to perform the same tasks. Students must pass each portion of this test although it is graded separately from the written portion.

Passing the Iowa CNA exam, also known as the Direct Care Registry Exam,  qualifies the nursing assistant to be placed on the state registry, which is called the Care Registry. Students must pass a background check as well as a TB tine test in order to qualify for employment. The prospects for employment and jobs in this field is forecasted to continue growing for several years. Many students go on later to become a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse, although many prefer the interaction with the residents and choose to remain in this position.

The cost of the Iowa CNA exam varies from $15-$45 and is governed by the Iowa Department of Inspection and Appeals. Due to differences in requirements depending on the type of care facility the nursing assistant will be working in, students are advised to contact the state prior to taking a course or discuss it with their instructor to ensure adequate training for the location they plan to seek employment. After passing the Iowa CNA exam students will be able to begin a career in a high demand industry.

Plumbing apprenticeship programs are very competitive in this insecure economy. The reason for this is because jobs are so hard to get. Plumbing Apprenticeship programs not only give you a job in the trade they train you. It’s commonly called “earn while you learn.”

As a plumbing apprentice the program exposes an apprentice to math, blue print reading and other concepts that may be hard to grasp for a potential apprentice. Many potential apprentices find the aptitude test hard to pass because of low math skills. In this instance a private vocational school is necessary to bridge this gap.

A bridge school gives the students the necessary knowledge they need to successfully complete an apprentice program in a specific trade. These schools will offer specially geared math classes that interest the students and get them prepared for a job in a trade. The school will not make promises they cannot keep. “In this economy we cannot promise them that they will get an apprenticeship, we can only point them in the right direction,” said Verbeck.

“To bridge the learning gap there is a need to have a school that provides technical skills to a student wishing to enter competitive fields such as the electrical trade or air conditioning and heating or even the plumbing trade. Students find they just do not have the needed skills to make them competitive for the apprenticeship program and they need a boost. That is where my school comes in.” said Bill Verbeck, President of MT. Charleston Trade School in Pahrump Nevada

When looking at a school that will teach useful skills that can be applied toward an apprenticeship a person should make sure that the school does not promise things it cannot deliver. Look also for a school that is affordable and competitive with local community colleges. The school should teach skills that can be applied to a trade and that can help the student be more marketable to an apprenticeship program.

At Verbeck’s school, the classes are geared to teaching skills to get a student a job and an apprenticeship program. In addition, the school also teaches relevant skills to the profession they want to learn. Verbeck remarked, “All the classes are taught by local journeyman or masters. Many of the teachers want to give back to the local economy and community in which they live.”

The local high school is suffering. Many of the students fail to graduate or are not motivated to graduate and therefore these students drop out and find that when they want to learn a trade they do not have enough math or reading skills to get them past the aptitude test.

“The job of a bridge school is to do a better job of teaching math and reading than the high school so the students have these skills and some hands on learning skills which they can take to their new job or trade,” concluded Verbeck.