Educators play an important role in helping new GED graduates navigate the next steps of their journey.
There are many avenues that your students can take after they have obtained their GED credential. Preparing your students for the next step will allow them to utilize their GED credential to start their post-secondary education or their careers.
College
To prepare your learners for college, it is important to look into the scores your students earned on each of their GED subject tests. If students scored in the 165-174 score range, it means they have the skills needed to start college-level courses and may be exempt from placement tests or remedial (non-credit) courses in college. This will save your students money and help them earn their degrees faster. If students scored between the 175-200 range, it means that they have demonstrated skills that are being taught in college-level courses and could be eligible to earn college credit. Depending on the programs they are applying to, your students may be able to earn college credit and bypass certain college classes.
To prepare students to start applying for colleges, help them reach out to the admissions office of colleges and universities they are interested in to find out more about their programs. Help your students research which institutions would be a good fit for their academic and career aspirations.
Trade School
Another way to help your students prepare for life after earning their GED credential is by introducing them to earning their trade school certificate. Trade school, also known as a vocational school, offers focused training that prepares students to work in a specific field. This route allows students to enter the workforce quickly and helps them land a good job. Trade programs can include: Medical assisting, welding, electrical, and cosmetology.
Workforce
As many employers require job candidates to have at least earned their high school diploma or GED credential, many jobs do not require students to earn a bachelor’s degree. Even without pursuing postsecondary education, a GED diploma allows students to qualify: for many jobs. These jobs include physical therapist aides, self-enrichment teachers, and home health and personal care aides. You can help your students find jobs like this by notifying them of opportunities to attend job fairs and by helping them research for jobs online.
Military
Joining the military is another great way for your students to utilize their GED credential. Joining the military also comes with great benefits for your students such as healthcare, housing allowance, tuition assistance, and retirement benefits. With a GED certificate, students can be recruited into the military as Tier 2. There are three tiers, people can get recruited as Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. These are based on education level and each level is eligible for different roles, operations, and units.
There are many ways to prepare your students for life after earning their GED credential. If your students may feel lost after earning it, remind them there are many paths they can take to having a successful future career. If students are wanting to request their transcript and diploma, they can do that here.