Changing careers as an adult can be exciting, but it can also bring serious questions. How much training will you need? Can you keep working while learning? How will you pay for a program? And how can you tell whether a training program will actually prepare you for the type of job you want?
For adults managing rent, groceries, child care, transportation, and other expenses, spending years in school may not be practical. Job training programs can offer another path. Depending on the occupation, adults may be able to learn through community colleges, vocational schools, apprenticeships, workforce programs, or short-term certificate programs.
The right option depends on your career goal, current skills, available time, and the requirements of the occupation. Before enrolling, it is important to understand the different types of training and the resources that may help make education more affordable.
1. Explore Career Training Through Community Colleges and Technical Schools
Community colleges and technical schools can be useful starting points for adults who want to move into a new field. Many offer career-focused programs that can take less time to complete than a traditional bachelor's degree.
Programs vary by school and location but may cover fields such as:
- Information technology
- Health care support
- Advanced manufacturing
- Automotive technology
- Welding
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Business administration
- Accounting support
- Construction trades
Some programs lead to certificates, while others lead to associate degrees or prepare students for industry certification or licensing requirements.
Working adults should pay close attention to scheduling. A school that offers evening, weekend, hybrid, or online classes may be easier to manage while maintaining a job.
Before choosing a program, ask how long it normally takes to complete, what classes are required, and whether students need internships, clinical experience, laboratory work, or other in-person training.
It is also important to research the school and program carefully. Check its accreditation when relevant, total costs, completion information, and whether credits can transfer if you decide to continue your education later.
If your intended occupation requires a state license, verify that the program satisfies the applicable educational requirements before enrolling.
2. Consider Apprenticeships and Learn-While-You-Work Options
For some career changers, learning while working may be more practical than leaving the workforce to attend school full time.
Registered Apprenticeship programs combine paid work experience with classroom or technical instruction. Apprentices develop skills while working under the guidance of experienced professionals.
Apprenticeships have traditionally been associated with occupations such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and other skilled trades. However, apprenticeship opportunities can also exist in industries such as health care, information technology, transportation, manufacturing, and other fields.
The U.S. Department of Labor oversees the federal Registered Apprenticeship system, while state agencies and other approved organizations may also help connect workers with opportunities.
Adults interested in apprenticeships should research:
- Entry requirements
- Starting wages
- Length of training
- Classroom requirements
- Work schedules
- Credentials earned
- Required tools, equipment, or transportation
An apprenticeship should not be confused with an unpaid informal training arrangement. Registered Apprenticeships follow established standards and include paid employment.
For adults who need to continue earning income during a career transition, this structure may make apprenticeship worth investigating.
3. Look Into Federal and Local Workforce Training Resources
Career changers may have access to workforce development programs that they do not know exist.
One place to begin is an American Job Center. These centers are part of a nationwide workforce development system and can provide employment and training services.
Available assistance varies based on location and individual eligibility. Services may include career assessments, job-search assistance, information about local training opportunities, and referrals to other programs.
Some eligible adults may qualify for training assistance through programs connected to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, commonly called WIOA.
WIOA supports workforce development services for several groups, including certain adults and workers who have lost jobs. Eligibility requirements and available services vary, so individuals should contact their local workforce agency or American Job Center for current information.
CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, is another resource for researching occupations and training options. Adults can use it to explore careers, compare typical education requirements, and identify training resources.
Before paying for a private training program, consider researching these public workforce resources. There may be local programs designed specifically to help people develop skills for occupations needed in their area.
4. Research Financial Aid and Employer Education Benefits
The cost of training can be one of the biggest concerns for adults changing careers. Before deciding that a program is unaffordable, investigate the different forms of assistance that may be available.
For eligible education programs, completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, can be an important step. FAFSA information is used to determine eligibility for federal student aid and may also be used for certain state and school-based assistance.
Depending on eligibility and the school or program, federal aid may include Federal Pell Grants, Federal Work-Study, and federal student loans.
Not every career training program qualifies for federal student aid. Adults should confirm a program's eligibility directly rather than assuming that financial aid will be available.
Scholarships may also be offered by colleges, nonprofit organizations, community groups, professional associations, and other organizations. Requirements can differ widely.
Your current employer is another place to investigate. Some employers offer tuition assistance, tuition reimbursement, certification support, or other education benefits. These programs may come with conditions, such as completing an approved course or remaining employed for a certain period.
When comparing programs, consider the entire cost rather than tuition alone. Additional expenses may include:
- Books and supplies
- Tools and uniforms
- Certification exams
- Licensing fees
- Transportation
- Technology
- Child care
- Reduced working hours
Knowing the full cost can help you compare programs more realistically.
5. Choose Training Based on a Real Career Goal
A training program is most useful when it connects to a specific occupation or career path.
Before enrolling, research the job you hope to pursue. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook can provide information about occupations, typical education requirements, job duties, and employment outlook.
Then compare that information with what a training provider promises.
Ask schools or training providers questions such as:
- What credential will I receive?
- How long does the program normally take?
- What is the total cost?
- What qualifications do employers in this field typically require?
- Does the program prepare students for required licensing or certification exams?
- Are internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on experiences included?
- What career services are available?
- Can previous education or experience count toward program requirements?
Be cautious about programs that pressure you to enroll immediately or make unrealistic promises about employment or earnings.
Career training should be treated as an education decision, not a guarantee of a particular job or salary. Comparing several options can help you understand what different schools provide before committing your time or money.
Build a Practical Path Toward Your Next Career
Changing careers as an adult can feel like starting over, but you may already have valuable experience that can carry into a new occupation. Communication, customer service, organization, leadership, technology, problem-solving, and other workplace skills can transfer across industries.
The next step is identifying which additional skills or credentials your target career requires.
Community colleges, technical schools, Registered Apprenticeships, American Job Centers, and workforce development programs can all be useful places to investigate. Adults should also explore FAFSA-based financial aid when applicable, scholarships, employer education benefits, and other resources for which they may qualify.
There is no single training path that works for every career changer. A parent working full time may need evening classes. Someone entering a skilled trade may prefer an apprenticeship. Another worker may need a short certificate, while someone pursuing a licensed profession may require a longer educational program.
Start with the career rather than the school. Research the qualifications employers typically expect, identify the training needed to build those qualifications, and compare programs based on cost, schedule, quality, and career relevance.
A career change can take time, but it does not have to begin with a giant leap. It can begin with a smaller, practical step: learning what skills you need and finding a training path that fits the life you have now.
