Training for cosmetology careers is one type of program offered at Oregon vocational schools.
Vocational schools are an ideal way for the non-college-bound high school or working adult to acquire career training that can lead to higher-paying jobs. In Oregon, there are at least 13 different private vocational schools. Some programs lead to diplomas, while others conclude with a two-year associate degree. If you will need help paying for vocational school, the U.S. Department of Education provides grants and loans to qualified individuals.
Personal-Appearance Careers
Careers in personal-appearance fields usually consist of cosmetology jobs ranging from barber to manicurist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 44 percent of all workers in this field are able to make a living as self-employed individuals. Portland has several cosmetology schools that offer training, including Marinello School of Beauty, the Aveda Institute, Paul Mitchell the School and Phagans' School of Hair Design. Tuition costs range from $6,000 for basic training at a small, independent school to $10,000 for advanced training at a nationwide institution.
Health-Care Training
Jobs in the health-care field are expected to generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs between 2008 and 2018, more than any other industry. At Pioneer Pacific College, students can enroll in programs leading to careers in health-care administration, medical assisting, medical assisting with limited X-ray training, massage therapy, pharmacy technician and practical nursing. Pioneer Pacific has been training students for more than 25 years and offers career-placement services to all graduates. There are five campuses in Oregon, including two in Wilsonville and others in Clackamas and Eugene.
Restaurant-Industry Training
The restaurant industry accounts for 10 percent of all jobs in Oregon. With a 13.7 percent job growth expected to occur by 2020, those who train for careers in the culinary arts are better prepared for the labor force than those who do not. One of country's largest culinary schools, Le Cordon Bleu, is located in Portland and offers certificates in culinary arts and baking and pastry arts. Students can receive financial assistance in the form of federal and state financial aid programs, work study and scholarships.
Information-Technology Education
Oregon has about 71,000 information technology (IT) workers who typically earn 80 percent more than the average state wage. The University of Phoenix is one of the largest private vocational schools in Oregon, with campuses in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Tigard and Salem. Their College of Information Systems and Technology offers associate's and bachelor's degrees in areas such as networking and telecommunications, database administration and Web development. Another option is Heald College, which trains students to work as certified Cisco® Systems workers, Microsoft® Windows® Server administration professionals and network systems administrators.
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