“Learn,” Education for Better Work for Self-Reliance (2016)
“Learn,” Education for Better Work
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Learn—Maximum Time: 45 Minutes
Read:During the past week, you should have researched more about your training options and spoken with potential education or training providers. In this chapter, you will take the following steps to review what you learned and decide which training option is the best for you.
Consider the quality of the school or training program.
Consider your ability to get accepted and finish.
Consider the cost and value.
Choose a school or training program.
Update your self-reliance plan.
Discuss:As you have gathered information about your training options, what have you found that matters most to you?
Read:As you consider what school or training program you will pursue, remember the counsel of Elder Dallin H. Oaks about good, better, or best.
1. Consider the Quality of the School or Training Program
Read:“The Lord wants you to educate your minds and hands, whatever your chosen field. Whether it be repairing refrigerators, or the work of a skilled surgeon, you must train yourselves. Seek for the best schooling available. Become a [worker] of integrity in the world that lies ahead of you” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Ensign, Jan. 2001, 7).
One of the most important indicators of the quality of a school or training program is how successful its graduates are at getting their desired jobs.
Juan gathered some helpful information about job placement rates of the certificate programs he is considering. He then made a choice of “good, better, or best.”
2. Consider Your Ability to Get Accepted and Finish
Read:A school may be a good fit for you, but are you a good fit for the school? Schools set standards of who qualifies to enter the program.
Some people get into a school but then drop out. They may drop out because the program is weak or not what they were expecting. They may drop out because it is too difficult. Compare schools to better understand how likely you are to get in and to finish.
Juan used the following information to compare training programs and the likelihood of getting accepted and finishing.
Read:Different education and training programs have different costs. You will need to determine if you think the cost of the education or training justifies the kind of job you are likely to get. You wouldn’t want to go through an expensive education or training program that won’t likely lead to a good job. You should look for an option that provides you the best value.
Juan used the following information to compare the cost and value of the training options he was considering.