The Salter School

The decision between career or college used to be reserved for high schoolers nearing graduation. But with industries demanding more skills and knowledge from employees these days, it's not unusual for seasoned professionals to ponder the same query. The good news is that, thanks to career schools, both high school seniors and senior management are finding they don't have to choose only one.

Just ask students at the Salter School in Massachusetts, where career training and preparation in business, health care, and computers, is the goal. Because of the school's unique programs, as well as flexible day and night classes, students of every age are able to increase their career potential without compromising their schedules. That's because, rather than spend time on extraneous liberal arts courses, the Salter School's curriculum is focused on getting students the skills and know-how that will ensure they'll be hired after graduation. "Employers are looking for men and women who are employment-ready and need minimal training upon employment," attests Tony McPeck, director of marketing for the Premier Education Group of which the school is a part.

With five campuses spread throughout the state, officials understand the importance of matching students' skills to the current local job market. "We determine what programs are offered at each campus with an employment assessment of each area," explains McPeck. "We maintain programs that are up-to-date and in tune with the needs of employers in that specific area." Along those lines, every campus features its own advisory board comprised of employers from local companies. These industry professionals recommend to the school what skills and talents they -- and others in their field -- are looking for in prospective employees.

The importance of real-world career training is even demonstrated by the instructors at this Massachusetts school. As McPeck explains, "Our objective is to utilize instructors who have academic as well as industry experience in the field in which they teach." And unlike college professors who lecture at a distance, Salter School instructors are hands-on and involved. Even students interact at a close level, says McPeck. "They are very much like family. They have the same mission so there's a high level of camaraderie."

The Salter School further reinforces students' chances of getting hired by integrating externships into each of its programs. During their last term of schooling, students spend several weeks at an externship with a local employer, gaining better knowledge of their chosen field in the process. Employers, meanwhile, get to witness a sampling of the students' learned skills. Says McPeck, "It's safe to say a good number of externships do result in job offers upon graduation."

Students who aren't hired at they place where they externed, needn't worry though. While they may be enrolled in different programs on separate campuses, every student takes a Career Development course. Provided by the Salter School's Career Services Department, this course teaches students the soft skills that they need to gain employment. Students emerge from the course with the knowledge of how to search for a job, conduct themselves during an interview, dress for work, and even how to prepare a resume.

Sound Off! Post Your Comments